Kaiser Permanente providers and staff helped provide much-needed dental care for low-income patients at the Sixth Annual Oregon Mission of Mercy. The Oregon Dental Association event, which took place November 23 and 24 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, provided more than $857,000 in free dental care to 1,081 individuals. For the fourth year, the Kaiser Permanente dentist group sponsored Oregon Mission of Mercy at the $10,000 level.
For patients such as Ralph Dickerson, the event was a blessing. “There’s nothing like tooth pain. You can’t do anything. This event is extremely important. It would be sad if it weren’t going on,” said Ralph, who received a filling and fluoride varnish from Dr. Jody Callaghan, assisted by Kelly Palmer.
Dr. Callaghan is Kaiser Permanente’s lead community benefit dentist, and she is a general dentist at our Cascade Park Dental Office. Kelly works at the same office as a dental assistant.
This was Dr. Callaghan’s fifth year volunteering at Mission of Mercy.
“I just find it so gratifying being able to help people with something I love to do,” she said.
This was Kelly’s first time volunteering at the event, and she found it to be a rewarding experience.
“It’s always good to give back to the community. The patients are so appreciative. You know you’re helping someone out,” Kelly said.
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