Preparing to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an exciting time. Between buying and packing clothes, completing all the necessary paperwork, and saying goodbye to friends and family, it’s easy for essential to-dos to get lost in the shuffle. But there’s one thing you shouldn’t overlook: your dental health.
A mission can often mean limited access to familiar healthcare, new routines, and, sometimes, remote locations. Taking care of your teeth before you leave can save you discomfort, time, and unexpected costs.
At Apple Tree Dental in Rexburg, we’ve decided to compile a complete dental-focused LDS mission checklist to help you embark on this new adventure with confidence and, of course, a healthy smile.
Make sure you have a full dental check-up at least 1–2 months before you leave. This gives your dentist time to address any issues before you report.
Here are a few things you might ask your dentist:
Don’t delay treatment or assume it can wait. Small issues can turn into big problems when you're far from home.
Be sure to complete:
Many missionaries have their wisdom teeth removed before leaving. Even if they’re not painful right now, they can become a problem later.
A fresh start matters. A professional teeth cleaning helps prevent gum disease and ensures your oral health is in top shape.
If you need treatment while serving, having access to your dental history can be helpful.
If you have braces or retainers:
Make a small dental kit that’s easy to maintain and replace.
While You’re Serving: Daily Dental Habits
Even with a busy missionary schedule, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential.
Missionary life often includes new foods and irregular meal times.
Try to:
Routine is key. Build your dental care into your morning and nightly schedule.
If Something Goes Wrong on Your Mission
Dental issues can still happen—even with proper preparation.
For Parents: Helping Your Missionary Prepare
Parents play an essential role in ensuring their missionary is prepared to serve.
Serving a mission is about focusing on others, not dealing with preventable dental problems. Taking a little extra time now to prepare your dental health can make a big difference in your comfort and confidence.
If you’re preparing for a mission and have questions about your dental readiness, our team at Apple Tree Dental in Rexburg is here to help!
