{ outreach in action } & Outreach Director
The Beautiful Imperfection of MOMOM
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mperfection. Last minute changes. Uncertainty. These are words that most likely make a dentist squirm. As extensively trained providers who must master a wide range of knowledge and be adept at adroit skills and patient interaction, dentists usually pre-
fer their own known, controlled environment with their own known, experienced staff. MOMOM throws all of that on its ear. Instead, this unique, large-scale, triage-focused clinic challenges the provider to set up in less comfortable surroundings, to work with less familiar products, on less than top-flight dental chairs, and to do it with a time conscious-approach—while often working with total strangers. Why would anyone do that? It always comes back to the why, doesn’t it?
As an organizer who works alongside different co-chairs every year to pull MOMOM together, I have to constantly remind myself of the why. I have to imagine what it’s like to not smile as much because it embarrasses me and deteriorates my confidence and esteem. I have to think about pain so bad that I miss work or my kids miss school. I have to wonder what it’s like to have to choose between paying rent and visiting a dentist. I need to identify with desperation for relief and frustration of not knowing where to turn. These are the struggles of our neighbors and fellow citizens. They need help that this wonder- ful profession of dentistry can provide. Discussing theories of origin and exploring systemic solutions for improvement to these needs are noble efforts, but they don’t address immediate, glaring needs, and they don’t excuse a call for us to show compassion and use our skills and opportunities to help. Why MOMOM? Because it’s the right thing to do. It’s not the only thing to do, but it’s something we can all do. And therein lays the marred beauty of a crazy 48 hours each year.
Every year my OCD and optimism trick me into believing that with enough experience and lead time, I can keep tweaking the clinic until it’s a monument of efficiency with nary a complaint from patient or volunteer about discomfort or inconvenience. Nothing would break. Supplies would feel customized for every provider. Confusion would disappear. Communication would flourish. Every meal would be gourmet. Every t-shirt would fit just right and be your favorite color. But where’s the fun it that?
While MOMOM is not every member’s cup of tea, I think one reason the tested veterans love it is because it offers a cocktail of ingredients
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that is hard to replicate elsewhere. There’s the rare chance to see and work beside school buddies and colleagues that you normally only see in meetings, if anywhere. There’s the wonder of contributing to something so large that it would fail without everyone’s effort. There’s the odd appeal of “managed chaos” that stimulates the problem-solv- ing gene in volunteers. There’s the satisfaction of knowing you can handle some temporary discomfort to help others who live with se- vere discomfort daily. And perhaps most of all, there’s the heartwarm- ing sensation of a patient’s smile and sincere gratitude for your help. That kind of buzz can melt all manner of normal daily frustrations of no-shows, third party payer issues, staffing drama and business deci- sions. At MOMOM, you just show up, go where you’re told and make the magic happen.
When MOMOM 8 unfolds on August 16 with the wrinkle of a one- day clinic, I know not to expect perfection regardless of planning and a collection of awesome volunteers. Something will go wrong. A few patients, perhaps out of fear, will react strongly or upset you in some way. You may not get to eat when you wanted. Frustration with part of the process may creep in. Your feet will hurt. Someone somewhere will make a mistake. You may even wonder “why did I drive so far and spend my money to volunteer.” Trust me; there will be a lot of imperfection. But most likely you also will laugh some. Your heart will get a fresh hit of human connection and appreciation. You’ll hear “thank you” a ton. Patients will cry with joy. You’ll meet someone else who loves dentistry as much as you. You’ll see a familiar face and smile. And eventually you can tell your grandkids one day, “I went west” for MOMOM 8 in St. Joe and loved being part of the glorious imperfection. f
Contact Paul at paul@modentalmail.org. To keep up with the latest news and outreach efforts of the MDA, read Paul’s blog, The Week That Was, posted on Fridays.
