Getting ready to serve a mission? One step catches a lot of people off guard. You need a dental exam, and you’ll want to start early. Here’s how pre-mission dental clearance works, and how to get it done in Rexburg.
What the Church requires
Before you serve, both a physician and a dentist must examine you. Your dentist does a full oral exam and takes X-rays. Then they fill out and sign your dental evaluation form. That form goes with your mission application.
The goal is simple. The Church wants any dental problem handled before you leave. Care can be hard to find in the mission field. So all needed treatment should be done before you submit your recommendation.
What the dental exam checks
A pre-mission exam is thorough. Your dentist looks for cavities and checks your gums. X-rays show hidden problems between teeth and below the gumline. The dentist also looks at your wisdom teeth to see if they pose a risk. If they need a closer look, the form may ask for a panoramic X-ray. We take that image in our office with cone beam CT. Your form needs a complete oral exam with bite-wing X-rays from the last six months. We take those X-rays right here in our Rexburg office. If everything looks healthy, they sign your form and you’re set.
The wisdom teeth rule has changed
Here’s news that saves many families money and stress. The Church updated its dental guidance in 2026. Healthy wisdom teeth no longer have to come out before a mission. Removal is only advised when a tooth shows disease or a real risk. So don’t assume you need surgery. A dentist can check and tell you where you stand.
Who needs this exam
This step applies to young men and young women preparing to serve. Your bishop and stake president guide you through the paperwork. The dental exam is one piece they’ll expect you to finish before you go. Many of our pre-mission patients are BYU-Idaho students. Our guide to dental care for BYU-Idaho students covers insurance and costs, which helps if you’re new to town.
Braces and other treatment
Wearing braces? Active orthodontic treatment must be finished before you reach the MTC. Wearing a retainer is fine. If you have cavities or other issues, plan to fix those first too.
Why you should start early
Dental work takes time. An exam might turn up a filling or two. That means another visit before you’re cleared. You can submit your application up to 150 days before your availability date. Get your dental exam done before then, so nothing holds up your call.
A simple timeline helps. Say you plan to leave in the fall. Start your dental exam in the spring. That leaves time for a filling or two if you need them. Then your form is ready when you submit your papers. Waiting until the last month is how calls get delayed.
How we help in Rexburg
Family First Dental sits minutes from BYU-Idaho. We handle the whole clearance in one place. That includes your exam, X-rays, and a cleaning. It also covers fillings and tooth extractions if you need them. We fill out and sign your dental form too, so your paperwork is ready. Nervous about the dentist? We offer sedation options to help you relax.
Rexburg sends many young adults into the mission field each year. The local paper recently reminded future missionaries about this exam. We see pre-mission patients often. We know the form, and we know the timeline.
What to bring to your pre-mission visit
A little prep keeps your visit quick. Bring a photo ID and your insurance card, if you have one. Bring your mission dental form so we can fill it out. Bring a list of any medicines you take. Bring the name of your old dentist, if you want records sent over. Doing this ahead of time helps us finish your paperwork in one trip.
What if something comes up before you leave?
Sometimes a tooth acts up at the worst time. If a dental emergency hits before your departure, we offer same-day emergency care. Call us and we’ll get you seen fast. That way a sore tooth won’t delay your plans.
Costs and no insurance
Many students don’t carry dental insurance. New patients pay $79 for the exam and X-rays. If you need more work, we offer payment plans through Cherry and WellCredit. You can spread the cost over time with no big bill up front.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to get my wisdom teeth removed before my mission?
No, not if they’re healthy. The Church updated this rule. Wisdom teeth only need to come out when they show disease or pose a real risk. We’ll check and let you know. If yours do need to come out, finish before your availability date so nothing delays your call.
Can I still serve if I have braces?
Your active orthodontic treatment must be finished before you reach the MTC. Wearing a retainer is fine. If you’re close, we’ll help you plan the timeline.
How soon before my mission should I see a dentist?
As early as you can. Dental work can take a few visits. Aim to finish before you submit your application, which can go in up to 150 days before your date.
Can you fill out my mission dental form?
Yes. We do the exam and X-rays, then complete and sign your dental evaluation form. Call (208) 400-9946 to book your visit.
I don’t have dental insurance. Can I still get cleared?
Yes. New patients pay $79 for the exam and X-rays. We also offer payment plans through Cherry and WellCredit for any extra work.
Ready to book?
Give yourself plenty of time before you serve. A little planning now keeps your mission call on track. We’ll make the dental part easy.
Call Family First Dental at (208) 400-9946 to book your pre-mission dental exam. You can also book online at book.modento.io/family-first-dental. We’re glad to help you get ready.