Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Colorado need COMOM?

Each day at the Colorado Dental Association, the phones are flooded by callers who desperately need dental care. These callers are in pain, frustrated, without answers, and yet they still have hope that the CDA staff member answering the phone will have the solution to help them. Often times, there is not a solution. There are several incredible dental organizations offering nearly free dental services for children, for the elderly, for people with disabilities, for the homeless and for people living with HIV/AIDS – but what about those adults who don’t fit into the above categories, who are without insurance and who cannot afford dental treatment?  For the past many years, the CDA and several CDA dentists have investigated a way to help this situation: COMOM.  

What type of equipment will be available for dental treatment?

COMOM uses portable dental units/equipment/lights. These portable dental stations will have access to water and suction.  The CDA is in the process of fundraising to purchase its own professional, high-quality portable equipment for the future. Dentists and hygienists are encouraged to bring 4-hole handpieces and other supplies to assist them with patient treatment.  Please click here for a list of items to bring.

Does COMOM need dontations?

Any personal donations to COMOM are greatly appreciated and pledges are also welcomed.  If every CDA member donated just $100, we could cover the cost of this COMOM and purchase equipment for COMOMs in the future. Financial contributions can be sent to the CDA Charitable and Educational Fund, Inc. at 3690 S. Yosemite St. #100, Denver, CO 80237 (please be sure to note COMOM as the recipient of your donation).

In addition, new and used dental equipment would also be of great help to this program. We specifically need autoclaves, handpieces, curing lights, cavitrons, restorative and surgical instruments, and orthodontic chairs (for oral surgery).  COMOM cannot use conventional operatory equipment, such as delivery units, x-ray units or ceiling lights, as portable dental units are designed for compact storage and mobility.

Can dentists and dental hygienists from other states participate in COMOM?

Absolutely! In Colorado's last legislative session, the CDA worked to get a bill passed (Senate Bill 152), which allows a dentist and/or dental hygienist, with a license in good standing from their respective state, to cross Colorado borders to volunteer for a charity program without the need for a temporary license.  The bill was signed into law and will allow dentists and hygienists to volunteer for a charity event of this nature for five consecutive days per year.  The Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) has designed a form for the CDA to use to identify such volunteer dentists and hygienists.  The form will communicate the list of volunteers to the SBDE 10 days prior to COMOM, so the SBDE can verify the license status of the visiting dentists and hygienists.  If you are interested in volunteering, please register in advance to allow us time to comply with SBDE rules.

Where did the Mission of Mercy concept come from?

The Mission of Mercy concept was founded by the Virginia Dental Association in 2000.  Since then, Kansas, Texas and Nebraska have established “MOM” programs to serve the deserving populations in their states.  Now it’s Colorado’s turn, and the CDA needs your help. 

Colorado Dental Association
3690 South Yosemite, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80237-1808
Phone: 303.740.6900 ~ Fax: 303.740.7989
E-mail: info@cdaonline.org

Web Site Design by Webolutions Inc.