Dr. Daniel Tataje is the founder of Mercy Dental Missions, a nonprofit organization providing affordable dental care locally through the Mercy Dental Missions clinic and the Day of Mercy, bringing free dental care to those who need it most. As well as globally through mission trips to underserved communities.

Dr. Tataje is a values-driven business leader and also the visionary founder of Mercy Dental Group, a highly successful dental group based in Madison, Wisconsin. Originally from Peru, his inspiring journey reflects a lifelong pursuit of excellence. Under his leadership, Mercy Dental Group has earned recognition as one of America’s fastest-growing companies in 2021 by Inc. Magazine. Guided by his core values, he has built his business on principles of integrity, humility, and service, creating an environment where both patients and team members feel valued and cared for. Through these values Mercy Dental Group has also been celebrated as one of the Best Places to Work, Best of Madison, and Best in Business by top-rated publications.

Above all, Dr. Tataje treasures his vocation as a husband and father to six children, finding strength and inspiration in his mission. His work is a testament to the power of integrating values and business, showing how leadership grounded in service can transform lives and communities.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide compassionate, life-changing dental care to those in need. With a special focus on vulnerable populations, we are committed to delivering free and reduced-cost dental services to underserved communities both locally and globally. By addressing critical dental needs and promoting oral health education, we aim to alleviate pain, bring hope, restore dignity, and empower individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

OUR VALUES

We do the right thing and are honest in every aspect of our lives.

We treat people with respect because we understand that we are all unique, valuable, and talented.

We emphasize the positive in every situation and action. We choose compliments over criticism.

We treat others the way THEY want to be treated. We put ourselves in the shoes of others.

We trust each other. We help each other to grow and succeed.

We SERVE our patients and each other. We aspire to make a difference in the lives of all the people we encounter.

We are humble, patient, and kind. We don't criticize or judge others. We know that we are all unique, talented, and capable to do anything.

COMPASSION IN ACTION

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10

OUR PROGRAMS

We provide local, quality dental care at roughly 40-50% of traditional dental costs. We provide this to uninsured/underinsured community members who have put off dental treatment due to cost.

This is a FREE volunteer-led charitable event. In partnership with Mercy Dental Group volunteers and the Catholic Multicultural Center, the Day of Mercy provides FREE, dental care to vulnerable populations such as the homeless, refugees, and struggling families.

MDM reaches impoverished areas in developing countries where communities have little to no access to dental care. Our dedicated teams of volunteers travel internationally to provide FREE essential dental treatment, alleviate pain, and improve overall health for those most in need. Every trip is an opportunity to bring compassion, healing, and hope to underserved populations.

This is a powerful way to extend additional help to patients who are experiencing an abrupt or difficult situation that makes even our reduced fees impossible to cover. This initiative not only expands access to essential dental services but also allows us to extend God's love as we better understand and connect with the personal stories of those we serve together.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader united by their passion for making dental care accessible for all.  

A special thanks to our board of directors for using their expertise, leadership, and generosity to better the lives of the patients we serve.

DR. DANIEL TATAJE

President


JASON KRAUSE

Board Member

TANNER VOSS

Treasurer


CARL HAMPTON

Board Member

MARCIE RAULS
Secretary


GRANT BRADLEY

Board Member

While Mercy Dental Missions and Mercy Dental Group work closely together, it's important to note that Mercy Dental Missions remains an independent nonprofit. Mercy Dental Group offers vital executive-level guidance, best-practice systems, access to group buying power, as well as some financial support - but they do not fund or sustain the mission on their own. This partnership has absolutely strengthened our reach and capacity - but we are still entirely dependent on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and grant funders to keep this mission alive and growing.

THE SHARED VISION OF AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE AND MERCY DENTAL MISSIONS

"We love because God first loved us." - 1 John 4:19

We are thrilled to share that in 2025 Affordable Dental Care rebranded to Mercy Dental Missions!

Dr. Dan Tataje and Tim Buck have unique stories that led to a shared vision. In January 2025, Mercy Dental Missions enveloped up what was formerly Affordable Dental Care, continuing the same great work and while adding to the outreach programs. Using biblical principles, Mercy Dental Missions is committed to transforming lives through dental care locally and globally. Together we're making a lasting impact!

MDM does not discriminate based on an individual's race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or socioeconomic status. Everyone is welcome to receive care.