
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!
1. Click the button below to view our open volunteer opportunities
2. Select a day and time to volunteer
3. Review your slot and click sign up
4. MDM will reach out to you 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 apply!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
1.)
PRE-APPLICATION
2.)
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Students must complete an application form 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
- A photo will be taken to document the student's participation
4.)
MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA - FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
- Students will be provided with marketing materials to share the mission and their commitment on social media
- A letter format is available for those who do not use social media
5.)
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 based on SignUp.com at https://signup.com/go/MjrHqGw
- Sign up dates are not confirmed until the Programs Coordinator confirms
6.)
FIRST DAY OF SHADOWING
- Students will fill out the following forms on their first day:
- Release of liability
- Photo & Video Release Form
- HIPAA Privacy and Security Agreement Form
- Students will receive education on clinical safety and patient privacy/confidentiality laws (two training videos in house):
- OSHA Training
- If Saliva Were Red
7.)
CHECK-IN AFTER APPROXIMATELY FIVE SHADOWING DAYS
- Students will meet with the Executive Director for a short checkpoint to assess progress and provide feedback
8.)
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
- During the students' shadowing time period, they will have an opportunity to fundraise and to gain awareness of Mercy Dental Missions 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
9.)
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.
9:00AM - 11:00AM on November 3rd, 2025
Student Day Agenda:
1. Pre-Registration
- Visit and read through our website
- Review our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter)
2. Registration Process (before October 17th)
- 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
- SmileAthon - 11/9/2025
- If someone is interested in donating or volunteering, please direct them to our website
8. Post Activity Wrap-Up - 10:30AM
- A group photo will be taken to commemorate your participation
- Stick around to make some fun SmileAthon posters! (supplies will be provided)
- A brief survey will be emailed to gather your feedback on the experience
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.