Volunteer FAQs
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Go to the "Volunteer Information" page to register!
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q:Where and when is the event being held?
A: Our next mission will be in Reading, PA
Thursday, June 20th Clinic Set-up Day 9 am-4pm
Friday, June 21st, 2024 Dental Clinic 5 am – 5 pm
Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 Dental Clinic 5 am – 5 pm
Saturday, Clinic Breakdown 4 pm – ? (no patients)
Q: What volunteer positions are available?
A: Dental and medical professionals, as well as community volunteers, will be working at this event. More than 1,000 individuals will be needed!!!!
Q:I'm not a dental health professional - is there a way that I can help?
A: Yes! We could use all of your help! We will need around 500 non-dental volunteers for behind the scenes help (registration, routing, food service, etc.), help with actual patient care, and help with translation and patient escorts. Patients will never be left alone, so we need a lot of people from the community to help us escort the patient between departments as they are preparing for treatment.
Q: What are the licensure/insurance requirements for clinical volunteers ?
A: All clinical volunteers must have a current, active PA license to practice. License numbers will be requested on the volunteer registration form in the required disciplines. The MOM-n-PA event will maintain standard infection control practices at all times. All clinical individuals involved in patient treatment must carry the appropriate malpractice insurance coverage, and ensure that the coverage allows you to participate in a volunteer treatment event. No cost liability insurance for dentists and physicians without their own policies is available at https://pdais.aleragroup.com/practice-insurance/mom-n-pa/
Out-of-state clinical personnel may attend the MOM-n-PA as observers or participate in non-clinical volunteer roles, but because of state licensing rules may not take part in clinical activities. While only dentists with active PA dental licenses can treat patients, dentists licensed in other states or as faculty or retired dentists can help in areas such as dental laboratory, patient education, patient escorts and dental triage, etc. We'd love to have your help and can use your expertise.
Q: What is the dental treatment setup like?
A: Approximately 100 dental chairs, lights, and operative dental units at the dental school will be set up to treat patients. The chairs have a reclining ability and the operative units will have access to water and suction. Volunteers may not attempt to adjust the chairs. Ask for help from your department lead or an ADCF (the providers of the equipment) staff member if a chair needs adjustment.
Q: Do clinical volunteers need to bring their own equipment, supplies, or instruments?
A: No. All supplies, tools, and instruments needed for patient care will be provided and available for professional use.
Q: If I volunteer with a dental assistant employed in my practice, can you coordinate their schedule with mine?
A: Yes, everything possible will be done to allow a dentist and a dental assistant employed by that dentist to work together. The official volunteer registration form will have a space to indicate if you wish to work with another volunteer. The dentist and dental assistant will both be required to register using the official volunteer form, and make the request to work together on each of their separate registrations.
Q: What should I tell individuals interested in obtaining care at MOM-n-PA?
A: Patients who are in pain can have an accompanying infection. We do not want anyone to wait to seek critical dental or medical attention as this could lead to more serious consequences. And, while the hope is to be able to treat 800-1000 patients, there's still a risk volunteers won't be able to see everyone waiting in line for care. However, every attempt will be made to care for those who are present.
Q: Will MOM-n-PA provide food and snacks for volunteers?
A: There will be breakfast and lunch items provided to volunteers whose shifts take place in the morning and mid-day. Every attempt will be made to keep volunteers hydrated, full, and comfortable! Volunteers can eat meals and take breaks in a designated area where food, beverages and water will be provided. Please do not eat or drink in front of patients. Everyone should plan to eat or drink in the designated volunteer break room.
Q: If I can’t volunteer at the event, is there another way I can help MOM-n-PA?
A: Absolutely! A project of this magnitude requires nearly $200,000 in tax-deductible donations and in-kind contributions to cover expenses for dental equipment and facility rentals, supplies, pharmaceuticals and food costs. Consider donating money or in-kind products or services. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will make a difference in treating thousands of patients. Please visit the DONATE page for more details.
Q: Will my liability insurance cover me ?
It is always prudent to call your insurer and double check. Proof of insurance will be required to volunteer as a clinical provider. Lay volunteers will be covered by a general liability policy provided by MOM-n-PA. Dentists and physicians without their own personal liability policy must apply for free coverage at https://pdais.aleragroup.com/practice-insurance/mom-n-pa/
Q: Will dental or hygiene students be able to treat patients?
No. MOM-n-PA has many wonderful opportunities for students, but treating patients is not allowed even under supervision. This event will be a great learning opportunity and we encourage students to volunteer in postitions where they can interact with patients – dental triage, patient education, post op instructions, exit interviews, or escorting patients.
Q: Is there a minimum age for volunteers?
In order to ensure everyone's safety, all volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Q: Is there a local hotel you recommend?
See Volunteer Information page for hotels.
Q: Will there be designated parking for volunteers?
Yes. parking will be available close to the mission.
Q: What should I expect at MOM-n-PA?
100 dental chairs, lights and units will be set up to treat patients. The chairs will recline and the units will have access to water and suction. Given space restraints, each dentist will be able to have one dental assistant. If a dentist brings more than one assistant, any extra assistants will be assigned to work elsewhere in the clinic. As patients register, they will be asked to complete a form for basic demographic information and their health history. The form will be used for triage and to record patient treatment information. Patients will be treated based on their most urgent needs, with pain elimination as the number one priority. Dentists working in triage will be responsible for assessing and prioritizing patients' treatment needs.
Q: Will dental instruments be available or should I bring my own?
Dental instruments will be provided.
Q: Is nitrous oxide available?
No. Nitrious oxide will not be available for dentists or hygienists to use on patients.
Q: What else should I bring?
Clinicians should plan to bring protective eye wear, face shield and any other personal protective equipment you use in your office. Headlamps and extra batteries are also recommended to increase visibility.
Required PPEs will be provided including a disposable gown, masks and gloves. Instruments and supplies will be also be provided.
What NOT to Bring: Please leave your personal belongings safely at home or locked in the trunk of your car. We do not have a secured area for you to leave them at the mission.
Q: What should I wear?
All volunteers will be given a T-shirt and are required to wear it during the clinic. Disposable gowns will be provided for clinical volunteers for infection control purposes. Typical dress for dental personnel is scrubs, or if you choose not to wear scrubs, dress casually and comfortably. Remember to wear comfortable and supportive, closed-toed shoes.
Q: Who should I contact if I have a question?
Feel free to email Dr. Gary Davis, the chair of MOM-n-PA @ doctord@epix.net.