The Mission of Mercy free dental clinic is returning to Duluth June 7-8.

The clinic was last in the Twin Ports in July 2015. It offers free dental care, prioritizing patients with pain or infections.

“Unfortunately we have a lot of barriers to care for individuals. And so these Missions of Mercy are really ways to assist patients to be seen,” Dr. Kimberly Lindquist said. “But it’s also to raise awareness. This isn’t meant to be their home. This isn’t meant to be a dental home. It’s a way to help. But it should also bring awareness to the fact that there are so many barriers and maybe even help to inform our politicians and our lawmakers about what is necessary to help these individuals.”

Lindquist helped organize it in 2015 and is again in 2024. She says dental disease is 100 percent preventable with good oral hygiene.

“Oral health has been shown over and over again to affect systemic problems. It can be a source of irritation, not only for the person in their mouth but systemically as well,” she said.

Patients often line up hours before the clinic opens at 5:30 a.m. on June 7 and 8. Doctors will work until about 5:30 p.m.

“And it’s first-come, first-served. We plan to see probably about 1,500 patients,” Lindquist said.

No paperwork is needed.

Volunteer help is welcome. People can sign up online.