CFDO Donates Entire Stock of CTMOM Personal Protective Equipment to COVID-19 Fight

The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CFDO) has donated 25,000 surgical/procedure masks, 40 cases of gloves, 23 cases of surface disinfectant wipes, 15 cases of disposable gowns, 80 (2 liter) bottles of hand sanitizer, all meant for the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic (CTMOM) to the State of Connecticut, Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and other healthcare agencies to aid the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

CTMOM’s Collaborative Efforts with Community Health Centers

When the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic (CTMOM) began in 2008, its main focus was to provide free emergency dental care to those who could not afford to pay. In the years since the inception of the clinic, close to 15% of the patients who attended CTMOM have been repeats and many patients didn’t have any insurance and could not afford to pay for care. In our ongoing efforts to improve the program and to take CTMOM to the next level, we saw that we could meet a tremendous need by assisting our patients in finding a dental provider.

Every year, CTMOM reaches out to the Community Health Centers (CHC) throughout the state for assistance with this initiative. At the clinic, informational tables are set up for CHC staff to assist patients in finding a provider for dental and medical care. In addition, a post -clinic follow- up letter is mailed to all CTMOM patients who do not have insurance or a dental home, recommending they contact their local CHC to continue their commitment to their oral and overall health. For their convenience, informational pamphlets with CHC locations and hours of the centers are enclosed.

Each year, CTMOM will focus additional attention on the geriatric, at-large special needs populations, and Veterans, while we continue our quest to facilitate the location of a dental home for all of our patients

Some of our CT partners

Connecticut State Dental Association
The CFDO partners very closely with the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA). Our CTMOM Free Dental Clinics are largely supported by their member dentists, with many of them volunteering with us every year. Many CTMOM Steering Committee members and CFDO board members past and present have been CSDA members. The CSDA provides the CFDO with monetary and in-kind support as well.

Paul Venti Fighting the Good Fight on Hunger and Homelessness
The CFDO partners with Paul Venti, the organizer of the UA Family’s Local 777 charity to coordinate food, clothing, toiletry, and toy drives. Each year, the CFDO hosts a drive at the CTMOM clinics where volunteers donate hundreds or pounds of food and goods to local shelters. We also coordinate a holiday toy drive at local gyms and fitness clubs for Connecticut children of families in need.

Connecticut Oral Health Initiative
The CFDO partners with the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) to provide patients with quality and affordable oral health services. At our clinics, they provide patients with information about their services and vital oral health education. They also provide information about other oral healthcare centers in various parts of Connecticut to patients that require further assistance. 

Community Health Centers, Inc.
The CFDO partners Community Health Centers, Inc. to provide patients with patient centered, accessible healthcare. At our clinics, they provide patients with information about their services, COVID vaccinations, and flu vaccinations. Additionally, many of their providers volunteer in our medical triage department and as EMTs.

University of Connecticut
The CFDO partners with the University of Connecticut (UCONN) to provide patients with free dental care at out CTMOM clinics and beyond. At our clinics, dental students and professors provide patients with exceptional care. Additionally, the CFDO often partners with UCONN to spread information on access to dental care.

Connecticut AHEC Network Americorps
The CFDO partners with Connecticut AHEC Network Americorps at our CTMOM Free Dental Clinics. The local Americorps volunteers help set up and breakdown our clinics as well as volunteering during the clinics.

Connecticut RDH and CDA Associations
The CFDO partners with Connecticut RDH and CDA associations to bring providers to our CTMOM Free Dental Clinics. Many of our Hygienists and Dental Assistants are members of their respective associations. These associations also help us spread the word about our upcoming clinics and recruit volunteers.

Connecticut Dental Health Partnership
The CFDO partners with the University of Connecticut (UCONN) to provide patients with free dental care at out CTMOM clinics and beyond. At our clinics, dental students and professors provide patients with exceptional care. Additionally, the CFDO often partners with UCONN to spread information on access to dental care.