Patient's Frequently Asked Questions
What age groups can be treated?
All ages will be seen. However, we may be limited to the types of services offered if they are age-restrictive (Dentures will not be available at OkMOM).
If I am under 18, do I need a parent or guardian present?
Yes. A parent or guardian must stay with the child throughout treatment.
Is there anything which would disqualify me from treatment?
Each patient will undergo a simple medical exam at the start of your OkMOM experience. Some things that could prevent you from being treated include:
| a. | having a fever at the time of treatment |
| b. | uncontrollable, abnormally high blood pressure |
| c. | excessive bleeding in the past |
How early should I arrive at OkMOM?
The doors will open at 5 a.m. From our experiences in other states, we expect people to begin lining up much earlier than 5 a.m. Regardless of when you plan to arrive, please keep the following in mind:
- Patients will not be allowed in the building before 5 a.m. No exceptions will be made.
- If you decide to stand in line, it will be very cold outside. DRESS APPROPRIATELY.
- Collapsible chairs, blankets and sleeping bags will be allowed. However, you may not have a chance to return them to your car and will need to carry them with you throughout the day.
- Tents will not be allowed. No exceptions.
- Security and restrooms/portable toilets will be available.
- And, see the next question!
What time will the clinic close?
It depends. We will treat approximately 1,000 patients per day. Once we reach our quota, we will close the doors to any new patients for that day. If 1,000 people are in line at 5 a.m., we will not open the doors for new patients that day. If 200 people are in line when the doors open, we will continue accepting patients until we reach our capacity.
Do I need insurance?
No. This is a completely free event. Because of the generosity of our volunteer dentists, we will not be filing insurance or charging patients for the work we perform.
Do you accept checks? Credit cards? Cash?
None of the above. This is a completely free event. Because of the generosity of our volunteer dentists, we will not be filing insurance or charging patients for the work we perform.
Can someone come with me while I am being treated?
You are welcomed to bring a friend or family member with you to OkMOM. They can stay with you while you are outside in line but we will require them to go a family/friends waiting area as soon as you enter the building. You will be able to meet them once you are finished at the clinic.
I am afraid of dental work/dentists/needles, etc.?
We understand your concerns. Simply let our volunteers know so we can help make OkMOM a pleasant experience for you.
Will you provide dentures at OkMOM?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide dentures at this type of event.
My entire family needs to be seen. Is that possible?
Yes. However, we will only allow one parent/guardian to go with children under 18.
Will breakfast/lunch be provided?
Yes. We will serve breakfast and lunch to all patients waiting on treatment. Food and drinks will not be allowed on the clinic floor.
Will there be translators?
Translators (Spanish and Vietnamese) and signers for the hearing impaired will be available at OkMOM.
Is there a limit as to how much treatment I can receive?
Due to limited supplies, time and volunteers, we are limited to the amount of treatment we can provide. Our first priority will be to treat your critical dental needs. When you enter our clinic, one of our volunteer dentists will meet with you and determine your treatment plan.
What should I bring to OkMOM?
We recommend the following:
- List of current medications
- One day supply of medications
- Baby supplies for a full day (diapers, formula, etc.)
I am in quite a bit of pain, should I wait to be treated at OkMOM?
No. If you are experiencing abnormal to severe pain, you should seek immediate treatment. If you do not have access to a dentist, please go to the nearest emergency room.
