AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time, the Texas Mission of Mercy free dental care clinic is coming to Austin.

The clinic will be held July 20 and 21, 2018, at William B. Travis High School. Since 2001, the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation has held 70 mission events throughout Texas, providing care to more than 36,000 patients.

According to the American Dental Association, many adults do not have access to or qualify for programs that provide needed dental care which leads to more serious health problems due to the untreated dental issues.

"Our volunteer dental professionals' primary focus is on relieving pain and preventing infection by providing extractions, fillings, and cleanings. In limited cases, replacing missing front teeth or repairing partial dentures may be available to restore a smile," Judith Gonzalez, director of TDASF said.

More than 100 volunteer dentists and 500 volunteers will help provide care. The services are free of cost, include basic, pain-relieving and preventive procedures such as dental cleanings, fillings and extractions. This clinic will also be able to provide a limited number of front partial dentures so that some patients leave with new smiles. It is anticipated that up to 1,000 patients will receive treatment during the two-day clinic.

Patients seeking care should plan to arrive by 5 a.m. on either Friday, July 20 or Saturday, July 21 at Travis High School to register. TMOM is a first-come, first-served event, and the clinic will stop accepting patients once capacity is reached. Patients must bring their current medications.

For information or to volunteer, visit the TDASF website or contact TDASF Missions Manager Sara Harney at 512-448-2441 ext. 203.