Medical and dental before your mission
Here’s what the Church says about health steps before you serve, in plain words.
Doctor and dentist exams
An exam by both a doctor and a dentist is required. They can find anything that should be taken care of before you serve (Church Newsroom).
Wisdom teeth
Healthy wisdom teeth don’t need to come out. The Church says removal should be considered only when teeth show signs of disease or pose a significant risk (Church Newsroom).
Immunizations
- Many countries require certain vaccinations (Church Newsroom).
- Your list is in your call packet and the Missionary Portal.
- Record each one in the portal before you arrive at the MTC (Provo MTC FAQ).
Before the MTC
- Take care of all health matters first, including dental and eye exams and follow-up treatment.
- The missionary or the people supporting them pay for pre-mission care, including dental, eye care and immunizations.
- If you can’t finish medical or dental care in time, contact your stake president. He can adjust your MTC arrival date.
- Bring copies of your medical and dental insurance cards.
Source: Provo MTC FAQ
Be complete and honest
The Church says giving complete medical, mental health and background information is important, and that it will bless the missionary during their service (Church Newsroom).
Questions
Do missionaries have to get their wisdom teeth out?
No. The Church says removal of healthy wisdom teeth is no longer required. Removal should be considered when teeth show signs of disease or pose a significant risk.
Is a dental exam required for a mission?
Yes. An exam by both a physician and a dentist is required.
Who pays for pre-mission medical and dental care?
The missionary or those supporting them pay for pre-mission care, including dental, eye care and immunizations.
What if I can’t finish medical care before the MTC?
Contact your stake president. He can adjust your MTC arrival date.
Sources
- Preparing to Serve as a Full-Time Missionary (Church Newsroom, June 2026)
- Provo MTC On-Site Training FAQ (official)
- Missionary Portal
Checked October 14, 2026. Rules change, so official pages, your call packet and the Missionary Portal are always the final word. GotMyCall is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.