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

Project Homeless Connect
The CFDO has participated in Danbury’s Homeless Connect held at Western Connecticut State University. Oral health supplies and educational brochures are provided to more than 200 individuals and families. Flyers regarding the upcoming CTMOM event are also distributed. The event also provides clothing, haircuts by hairdressing students, assistance from social service agencies, eye exams and reading glasses provided by the Lion’s Club, legal assistance, employment assistance and teeth cleaning by the area’s Community Health Center, all free of charge. The attendees are so thankful for the supplies and some even rush to brush their teeth!

New Haven Men’s Homeless Shelter
The CFDO partners with one of the area churches to provide oral health supplies and oral health education information to New Haven’s neediest at the men’s homeless shelter. Goodie bags containing personal hygiene supplies, hats, gloves, socks and other items donated by the church, distributors, corporations and individuals are distributed to the shelter throughout year. The men are most grateful for the supplies and information received.

Veterans and Soldiers
The CFDO partners with the American Legion Post 83 to provide oral health supplies for our veterans at the VA Hospital and soldiers actively serving our country. We are proud of and thankful for all of our soldiers and are honored to be able to serve them.

New Reach
The CFDO partners with New Reach, an organization which supports and stabilizes vulnerable children, families and individuals through emergency shelter, housing, in-home family stabilization, clinical triage services and the provision of basic needs across Connecticut. The CFDO donates oral health supplies and oral health education information.

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. 

Fair Haven Community Health Center
The CFDO partners with Fair Haven Community Health Center (FHCHC) 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.