Question 1

What time do the doors open?

Accepted Answer

The doors open to patients at 6:00 A.M.. The first treatments begin at 7:00 A.M.. All patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.  Often patients line up at the Civic Center many hours before the clinic doors open. A line cue will be clearly established and outdoor toilets available.

Question 2

Do I need insurance/payment?

Accepted Answer

No insurance is needed. No payment is required. This is completely FREE thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and sponsors.

Question 3

Can I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

No appointments are accepted.

If you missed the Patient Prescreening events promoted on this page, do not worry. Even prescreened patients must enter the general patient line outside the facility. You cannot make an appointment for ESMOM services. Care is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
 
If you do not complete the Patient Registration Form before the clinic, that is not an obstacle to receiving care. Patient registration can be completed on-site

Question 4

What dental services are provided?

Accepted Answer

X-Rays
Cleanings
Fillings
Select Root Canals
Select Extractions

Question 5

Is there a limit as to how much treatment I can receive?

Accepted Answer

Due to limited time and resources, it may not be possible to provide multiple procedures in a single visit. The first priority will be to address the most critical need and if additional procedures are desired, patients can return for the 2nd day of the clinic.

Question 6

What is E.S.M.O.M.?

Accepted Answer

It is  a free, two-day dental clinic that serves adult patients in need (Ages 18 & up). ALL services are provided FREE of charge by local clinical professionals, and there are no eligibility or insurance requirements, and no state or county residency requirements.

Question 7

What services are NOT provided?

Accepted Answer

We do NOT provide full dentures, root canals on molars, crowns, extractions of unexposed wisdom teeth, orthodontics/braces, implants, or impactions.  Narcotics will not be dispensed.

Question 8

Do you provide dentures?

Accepted Answer

No.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide full dentures or replace existing ones at the E.S.M.O.M..

Question 9

Is there anything that would disqualify me from treatment?

Accepted Answer

If receiving dental services, you will undergo a simple medical exam at the start of your Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy experience.

Some things that could prevent you from being treated include having a fever at the time of treatment, uncontrollable or abnormally high blood pressure, or excessive bleeding in the past.

Also, the portable dental chairs in use at the clinic do have a weight limit of 375 pounds.

If a patient uses a wheelchair, they must be able to self-transfer from their chair to the dental chair.

Question 10

Do I have to wait in line if my case is an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes - everyone must wait in line regardless of circumstances.

Question 11

If I am not from Maryland, can I still receive treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

We will not turn anyone away based on residence or ability to pay. Services are free. Our service area spans the entire Delmarva region.

Question 12

Will there be interpreters?

Accepted Answer

We do have a team of volunteer interpreters who will assist to the best of their ability. We cannot guarantee which languages will be covered by the team. If you have someone who can interpret for you, you are welcome to bring them as well. They must be 18 years old.

Question 13

What if the patient needs pain medication or antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

There is always a pharmacy at the event to dispense antibiotics as prescribed by the treating dentist.  There are no narcotics kept on site.  Pain medications are by prescription only.  Patients are given a prescription voucher to take to the on-site pharmacy for pain meds.

Question 14

What if the patient needs additional treatment?

Accepted Answer

To assure that all patients have follow-up access, arrangements are made with local dentists to care for those individuals, if necessary.

Question 15

What if my child also needs dental care or has to come with me so I can get the dental care I need?

Accepted Answer

E.S.M.O.M. cannot provide dental services to patients under 18. If a parent needs services, the child will not be admitted onto the clinic floor.

Children may wait in the family waiting area, but must also be supervised by another trusted adult or family member. ES..M.O.M. cannot provide daycare services.

Frequently asked questions