More Than a Convention Center

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) will soon be celebrating its 30th year as a multi-use facility serving the needs of our community. MCC’s executive director, Jeff Johnson, has dubbed the venue a relationship building since it is the blank palette that organizations use to create a memorable experience for event attendees that come together for myriad purposes.

The MCC lived up to that billing, and then some, as it recently served as the host facility for the Minnesota Mission of Mercy (MnMOM) dental event. MnMOM is hosted by the Minnesota Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Foundation. This was the sixth year a MOM event was held in Minnesota and the first time in Minneapolis.

The stated vision of the Minnesota Dental Foundation is to eliminate unmet oral health needs in Minnesota. The MnMOM event, held in early September at the MCC, is one of the major initiatives the Foundation uses to achieve that vision.

The MCC was transformed into a giant dental clinic with 145 dental chairs, according to the Minnesota Dental Association. The versatility of the MCC allowed a growth of nearly 50% in the number of dental chairs available to serve the needs of those not normally able to receive professional dental care.

The 2018 MnMOM had some impressive results over the two days it operated in the MCC. Patients lined up early and came from as far away as Illinois. Here’s what the Minnesota Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Foundation accomplished:

Patient Visits: 1,462
Fillings: 1,268
X-rays: 1,069
Extractions: 1,049
Cleanings: 530
Fluorides: 470
Sealants: 113
Partial Dentures: 95
Root Canals: 47
Stainless Steel Crowns: 18

Clearly, relationships were built and needs were met during the Minnesota Mission of Mercy. Congratulations to the Minnesota Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Foundation for conducting such a meaningful outreach activity. Our MCC is proud to have played a part and looks forward to doing so again in the future.