Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
The Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) will return to Edinburg in 2026, with confirmed dates and location, according to Dr. Carlos Cruz, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is part of the event’s organizing leadership. “The event will once again be held at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg on October 2–3, 2026,” said Dr. Cruz. “TMOM is a statewide event held in five different locations each year, and after a two-year pause, we are fortunate to welcome it back to our city.”
The TMOM program, organized by the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF), offers free dental care to uninsured or underserved individuals across Texas. Services include cleanings, fillings, extractions, limited root canals, and sometimes dentures or partials—all provided entirely by volunteers.
Dr. Cruz confirmed that key sponsors fully back the 2026 event. “We once again have the support of the same key collaborators, including Lone Star National Bank, with the invaluable support of Mr. David De Anda, and DHR Health System. They have provided both logistical and financial support,” he said. “We also thank Hidalgo County, especially Jaime Longoria, Executive Director of the county agency services. The primary funding source is the Community Services Block Grant, which has been instrumental in making these events possible.”
According to Dr. Cruz, continuity has been a concern for similar events nationwide. “Unfortunately, due to a lack of federal support, many of these programs have not been held since this year,” he explained. “However, thank God, we have already secured the venue and obtained the county’s support to carry out this event in 2026, just as we successfully did last year.”
The last TMOM event in Edinburg took place on September 15–16, 2023, also at the Bert Ogden Arena. That clinic mobilized 451 volunteers, including 86 dentists and 14 hygienists. While the official number of patients treated wasn’t published, internal reports confirm that 743 patients received free dental care over the two days, equivalent to over $750,000 in donated services. “It was a total success,” said Dr. Cruz. “Many people couldn’t get services simply because they didn’t register in time.”
To help streamline patient access, organizers also held two pre-screening clinics in 2023. “We evaluated over 300 people. Those patients were given a ‘Golden Pass’ to be seen earlier and avoid long lines on the day of the event,” Dr. Cruz said. “We also worked with smaller clinics to serve individuals with minimal resources.”
The need in the region remains high. “In Hidalgo County alone, more than 100,000 people are living below the poverty line, and over 40% of residents lack dental insurance,” said Dr. Cruz. “It’s a huge challenge, but contributing even a small part is a great relief for the community. For many, this is truly a blessing.”
Planning for 2026 is already underway. “We had an in-person meeting in Edinburg about a month ago with representatives from the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation,” said Dr. Cruz. “We’ll have a video call in September, and in October they’ll meet with us again in person to begin full-scale planning, just like we did last year.”
Two key figures from the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation attended the initial planning meeting: Stacy Hill, Executive Director of TDASF and TMOM, and Mariana Calanda, who serves as Clinical Program and Volunteer Manager. “They’ve been a tremendous support throughout the process,” Dr. Cruz noted.
Dr. Cruz emphasized that both the venue and the sponsor support are now officially confirmed. “The Edinburg arena is confirmed, as is the support from Lone Star National Bank—both financial and with medical volunteer staff. Their support is extremely valuable.”
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Dr. Cruz added, “We feel deeply proud to have the opportunity—only the second time in the history of the Valley, and specifically in Hidalgo County—to host an event of this magnitude. Our goal is to double the number of patients we serve, although we recognize it’s a significant challenge to achieve in such a short timeframe. Still, everyone involved is committed to giving their best to help as many people as possible. That’s the true goal.”
TMOM clinics play a vital role in closing the gap for those who fall outside the dental care system. They are typically staffed by volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants, and community members, and are hosted in converted civic spaces over two-day periods. Patients are served regardless of insurance status, income, or residency.
