From the 2026 Summer Journal of the Colorado Dental Association, By Becky O’Guin, CDA Communications Director
As the Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, the nonprofit free dental clinic is reflecting on nearly two decades of service while charting a course for future growth and expanded community impact.
Since its inception in 2007, COMOM, a 501(c)3 organization, has provided more than $19 million in free high-quality dental care to more than 21,000 patients in need. The organization’s annual clinics deliver essential oral healthcare to patients who might otherwise go without treatment, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of volunteers, donors and sponsors who contribute their time, talents and financial support each year.
The milestone anniversary also marks a significant leadership transition for the organization.
Bill Taylor
After leading COMOM since 2009, Executive Director Pam Dinkfelt is handing leadership responsibilities to Bill Taylor. During her tenure, Dinkfelt helped transform COMOM into one of Colorado’s most recognized charitable dental programs, building a culture centered on compassion, service and patient dignity.
Her impact extends far beyond clinic operations. Volunteers credit Dinkfelt’s dedication, passion and commitment for helping shape an organization that continues to change lives one smile at a time.
For many volunteers, COMOM is far more than a dental clinic.
Those who have participated know how physically demanding COMOM can be — long days spent on their feet, meals at unconventional times between patients and working until exhaustion sets in. Yet year after year, volunteers return because of the profound sense of purpose the experience provides.
Many describe the opportunity to help alleviate pain and restore confidence as one of the most rewarding experiences of their professional lives.
Dr. Anna Pitz
“The patients’ attitudes are so inspiring because they wouldn’t be there if they didn’t care. They know they may spend hours outside overnight in the cold, and they are so thankful to be there. It’s contagious…it just makes you want to be there for them,” said Dr. Anna Pitz, a Boulder prosthodontist who volunteers in COMOM’s Denture City department.
While Dinkfelt is stepping away from day-to-day leadership, her legacy will continue to shape COMOM for years to come. The strong foundation she built ensures that the organization is well-positioned for continued growth and impact.
Taylor is now leading a strategic planning effort designed to strengthen COMOM’s long-term sustainability and expand its impact. Working alongside the Board of Directors and volunteers, the organization is developing a roadmap focused on increasing community engagement, strengthening resources and identifying opportunities for mission growth.
A key component of the planning process is fundraising. Although the clinic delivers approximately $1 million in donated care annually, operating the annual clinic requires approximately $300,000 each year for patient care and clinic operations.
Organizers say financial support from Colorado’s dental community plays a significant role in securing grants and other funding opportunities. Grantmakers often look for strong support from dental professionals as evidence of the profession’s commitment to the organization’s mission.
To broaden support, COMOM recently launched its “5 for 5” campaign, encouraging dental professionals to contribute just $5 per year for five years. The initiative aims to increase the number of financial supporters and engage at least half of Colorado’s dental professionals in supporting the organization.
Additional fundraising strategies, including grant-writing support and expanded community partnerships, are also being explored as part of the strategic planning process.
The organization is considering ways to extend its reach beyond the annual clinic model, including the possibility of offering smaller clinics in areas where access to dental care remains limited.
Volunteer support remains the foundation of COMOM’s success. More than 200 dental professionals donate their expertise each year, alongside hundreds of community volunteers who help ensure clinics operate smoothly.
The 2026 Colorado Mission of Mercy clinic will be held Sept. 25-26 at Victor-Cripple Creek High School in Cripple Creek. Organizers are also introducing a new volunteer management platform, VicNet, which all volunteers will use for scheduling and communication. New volunteers can apply through the COMOM.org website.
Looking ahead, COMOM’s 20th Anniversary Clinic is scheduled for Oct. 29-30, 2027, at the National Western Center in Denver. Organizers expect the event to celebrate two decades of service while inspiring continued volunteerism and support for the years ahead.
As COMOM enters its third decade, leaders say the organization’s future remains rooted in the same mission that launched it nearly 20 years ago: bringing hope, health and renewed smiles to Coloradans who need it most.
