Mission of Mercy Offers Free Dental Care in Waterbury
A free dental mini-clinic for seniors treated about 100 patients at a Waterbury gym last October.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Connecticut Mission of Mercy held a free dental mini-clinic for seniors in Waterbury in October. About 100 patients received care from volunteer dentists and hygienists at the Police Athletic League gym on Division Street.
Why it matters
Cost, limited insurance and transportation are barriers to dental care in Connecticut, according to a 2023 report from the state Department of Public Health's Office of Oral Health. Untreated dental problems such as tooth pain, loose teeth and decay can contribute to chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease.
The Mansfield clinic treated 905 patients and provided more than $1 million in care, while StayWell Health Center in Waterbury employs nine dentists and seven dental hygienists serving more than 31,000 patients a year. The source does not say how many of the Waterbury mini-clinic patients will need further treatment.
The players
Connecticut Mission of Mercy
A volunteer-driven dental outreach program that organizes free dental clinics across Connecticut for uninsured and underserved residents.
Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach
A nonprofit organization that works to expand access to dental care for underserved residents of Connecticut.
StayWell Health Center
A federally qualified health center in Waterbury that provides care on a sliding scale to patients regardless of ability to pay.
The details
Volunteer dentists and hygienists in blue smocks treated patients in an open-plan clinic set up with rows of dental chairs in the Police Athletic League gym at 64 Division St. The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach, a nonprofit, organized the effort, which offered free care to seniors.
Timeline
October: Free dental mini-clinic for seniors held in Waterbury
April 2 and 3: Next open-to-all-ages Mission of Mercy clinic scheduled at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven
Market Landscape
The 2023 report from the state Office of Oral Health identified cost, limited insurance and transportation as barriers to dental services in Connecticut. Volunteer-run clinics like the Waterbury mini-clinic and the Mansfield Mission of Mercy event fill gaps left by those barriers.
Residents who lack dental insurance or cannot afford copays may be able to get free care at upcoming Mission of Mercy events. The clinics are scheduled to run on specific dates, so people planning to attend should check the event schedule in advance.
The takeaway
Free dental clinics can provide meaningful care to people who otherwise go without, but they do not replace ongoing access. Anyone with dental pain or infection should seek care promptly rather than wait for a scheduled event.
What happens next
The next Mission of Mercy clinic, open to all ages, is scheduled for April 2 and 3 at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.
Further reading
Explore more philanthropy coverage to see how nonprofits and volunteers are filling gaps in essential services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hour.
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