VOLUNTEERING
We are looking for dental professional volunteers to lend their dental skills and time to provide free and reduced-cost dental services to underserved communities. By volunteering, you’ll help deliver essential care that alleviates pain, brings hope, restores dignity, and empowers individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilled lives.
Join us in our mission to create a healthier world, one smile at a time. Together, we can change lives and make a difference in the communities that need us most. We are deeply grateful for your support!
To volunteer, please complete the form below. Please note that volunteer requests require at least a two-week lead time and are not confirmed until our Programs Coordinator reviews your submission and sends an official confirmation. Once reviewed, we’ll contact you to about your volunteer slot.
1. Click the button below
2. Fill out the information
3. MDM will reach out to confirm your volunteer slot
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.
STUDENT SHADOW/VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Mercy Dental Missions is excited to offer a Student Shadow/Volunteer Program for students and pre-dental students interested in gaining practical experience through shadowing. This program provides an opportunity to observe dental professionals, engage with the Mercy Dental team, and gain valuable skills and insights into dental care — all within a nonprofit setting serving underserved communities.
Our program includes supporting students in their personal and professional development while helping them build a deeper understanding of the many factors that impact dental and overall patient health. Participants will have hands-on opportunities to learn about nonprofit community engagement and fundraising.
Each semester, we offer approximately 4–6 weekly recurring opportunities. Once those spots are filled, additional single-day volunteer opportunities will still be available — so please don’t hesitate to reach out!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
2027 SPRING SEMESTER APPLICATIONS:
Applications Open: November 1, 2026
Applications Close: December 1, 2026
2026 SUMMER SEMESTER APPLICATIONS:
Applications Open: March 1, 2026
Applications Close: April 1, 2026
2026 FALL SEMESTER APPLICATIONS:
Applications Open: July 1, 2026
Applications Close: August 1, 2026
1.)
PRE-APPLICATION
2.)
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Students must submit an application and send it to our Programs Coordinator at programs@mercydentalmissions.org
- Applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview with the Executive Director
3.)
CLINIC TOUR & IN-PERSON INTERVIEW
- Learn about our mission, programs, history, and our future
- During the interview, the student will have the opportunity to meet the Executive Director, and some of the clinical team members
- Students will be given a tour of the clinic and meet the staff
4.)
SIGNING UP FOR SHADOWING DAYS
- Once a student is accepted after the interview phase, they will then need to sign up for their selected spots
- Sign up dates are not confirmed until the Programs Coordinator confirms
5.)
FIRST DAY OF SHADOWING
- Students will fill out the following form on their first day:
- Release of liability
- Students will receive education on clinical safety and patient privacy/confidentiality laws (two training videos in house):
- OSHA Training
- If Saliva Were Red
6.)
CHECK-IN AFTER APPROXIMATELY FIVE SHADOWING DAYS
- Students will meet with the Executive Director for a short checkpoint to assess progress and provide feedback
7.)
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
- During the students' shadowing time period, they will have an opportunity to fundraise and to gain awareness of MDM through their own personal experience and connections
- If the student has someone who is interested in donating or volunteering, they should direct them to our website
8.)
POST COMPLETION OF SHADOWING EXPERIENCE
- After shadowing, students will be sent a survey to complete
STUDENT DAY
Mercy Dental Missions is excited to offer a special Student Day for current students and pre-dental students interested in a career in dentistry. This unique program provides a structured opportunity to interact with our dental professionals, gain insight into dental care in a nonprofit setting, and learn our mission and how we serve underserved communities.
TBA - Fall 2026
Student Day Agenda:
1. Pre-Registration
2. Registration Process (before TBA)
- Submit your completed registration form to: programs@mercydentalmissions.org
- You will receive a confirmation email from our Programs Coordinator once your registration is approved
3. Clinic Tour - 9:00AM
- Tour the Mercy Dental Missions clinic & meet members of the MDM staff
4. Light Breakfast
- Enjoy a complimentary light breakfast including pastries, juice, coffee, and water
5. MDM Presentation
- Learn about MDM's mission, history, current programs, and future goals from our Executive Director
6. Meet Our Doctors - 10:00AM
- Engage in a Q&A session with two of our Doctors: Dr. Kepler and Dr. Stevens
- Perfect time to bring your dental and procedural questions!
7. Engagement Opportunities
- Learn about our upcoming community outreach initiatives
- Discover how you can get involved by fundraising or spreading awareness through your network
- If someone is interested in donating or volunteering, please direct them to our website
8. Post Activity Wrap-Up - 10:45AM
- A group photo will be taken to commemorate your participation
