Free Dental Clinic Returns to Des Moines November 13–14

DES MOINES, IA – October 12, 2026 – The Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM), an annual, large-scale free dental clinic, will return to Des Moines on November 13–14, transforming the Jacobson Exhibition Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds into a fully operational field clinic with 100 patient chairs. The event travels to different Iowa communities each year to expand access to care and was last in Des Moines in 2022.

The two-day clinic relies on more than 1,000 volunteers, including dental professionals and community members who donate their time and expertise to provide free dental care to hundreds of patients. The clinic helps remove barriers that can prevent people from receiving routine dental care, including financial hardship, lack of insurance, language barriers and limited access to childcare.

“Everyone deserves access to dental care, but that can be a challenge when many Iowans are struggling to make ends meet. IMOM helps bridge that gap by bringing together volunteers who are committed to improving the health and well-being of others,” said Dr. Kyle Gagliardo, IMOM Clinic Operations Director.

IMOM offers a wide range of services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and X-rays. A limited number of wisdom teeth extractions and partial dentures are also available. All care is provided at no cost to patients, regardless of income, insurance status, or place of residency. The clinic opens at 6:00 AM Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointments available. Patients are encouraged to arrive early, as the clinic will stop accepting patients once capacity is reached.

“There’s something special about seeing so many people come together to help others,” said Dr. Lauren Patrick, Local Planning Committee Chair. “From dental professionals donating their skills to community members giving their time and local businesses providing supplies and support, it takes all of us to make this event possible. The generosity of this community is what makes IMOM so meaningful, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

IMOM would not be possible without the support of the community. Major financial and in-kind support is provided by IMOM’s Crown sponsors: Event Decorators of Iowa, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, and Dexis/Kerr, along with two generous donors who wish to remain anonymous. In total, more than 75 local companies, organizations, and individuals have contributed to help cover over $340,000 in costs for equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, and food for this charitable event.