Dental Mission Week celebrates a decade of expanding access to care
When Tenika Spann arrived at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry during Dental Mission Week, she wasn’t in pain — but she knew it was time to finally address dental issues she had been putting off.
A Jackson resident, Spann first participated in Dental Mission Week last year, receiving extractions and a filling. This year, she returned for continued care with fourth-year dental student Avery Gibens and second-year dental student Jolan Mills, completing three fillings on Tuesday and returning Thursday for a root canal — with another procedure still ahead.
“I knew the cavities had been there for quite some time,” Spann said. “I avoided it, and over time they started to decay and become visible. Even though I wasn’t in pain, I knew it needed attention.”
Spann is one of the 427 Mississippians who received free dental care at the School of Dentistry’s Dental Mission Week, a large-scale outreach event designed to serve patients who face barriers to accessing routine dental services. Now in its tenth year, the event has provided acute dental care to nearly 8,000 patients who may have otherwise gone untreated.
Through Dental Mission Week, the School of Dentistry works to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges of dental access while delivering uncompensated care to vulnerable populations, including medically underserved or uninsured minor children and adults. Services offered include cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals for front teeth, oral cancer screenings and oral hygiene education.
“This year marks the 10-year milestone of Dental Mission Week,” said Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, dean of the School of Dentistry. “During that time, our School of Dentistry has served thousands of patients, provided more than one million dollars in dental care and helped educate over 600 dentistry and dental hygiene students about the importance of service to the community.
“Dental Mission Week is the School of Dentistry’s primary outreach program, providing access to much needed dental care for Mississippians. Our entire School of Dentistry participates, whether as providers, patient escorts or members of the planning team. This initiative not only serves our community but also plays a vital role in shaping our students’ commitment to community service.”
Support from community partners helps ensure patients receive the care they need. This year, Hancock Whitney and Origin Bank contributed $25,000 and $2,500, respectively, and Henry Schein provided an additional $2,500 in financial support. Dentsply Sirona also made an in-kind donation of dental equipment and supplies valued at $23,000 used during Dental Mission Week.
“Access to quality health care, including dental care, is essential to building stronger communities,” said Leigh Pace, the president of Hancock Whitney’s Jackson market. “We are proud to support UMMC Dental Mission Week and the School of Dentistry’s commitment to serving Mississippians who otherwise might not be able to afford dental treatment.”
Dental Mission Week is a collaborative effort that brings together volunteers from the schools of dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, health related professions and medicine, along with dental students and residents, dental hygiene students and volunteer dentists and staff from local practices.
“The environment every time I come to the School of Dentistry is absolutely wonderful,” Spann said. “The students, the staff — everyone is awesome. I love everything about it.”
“Dental Mission Week, from my perspective, was a wonderful opportunity to utilize our specialty clinics as well as our comprehensive general dentistry clinics,” said Mills. “In conjunction with other medical professionals of different disciplines, I witnessed the faculty and students provide much needed help to patients from the Jackson community. I loved seeing the joy on patients' faces as they had minor restorations done, bothersome teeth extracted or just general pain relieved for the cost of nothing as a result of what we’ve done this week.”
Spann said she recommends Dental Mission Week to friends, family and coworkers, noting the kindness and attentiveness she experienced throughout her care.
“Everyone is smiling and approachable. The energy is just really good,” she said. “They welcome you; they treat you well, and they answer every question you have.”
Even procedures that can feel intimidating were handled with care and communication.
“A root canal is not something you ever want to have to do,” Spann said. “But I wasn’t in one bit of pain. Avery talked me through everything she was doing and made sure I was comfortable. If there was anything she didn’t feel 100 percent confident doing, she would talk to a faculty member before going any further. I trusted her judgment and appreciated her taking her time with me.”
That level of follow-up continued beyond the clinic, Spann said. “I wasn’t sure how to eat after my root canal, but Avery messaged afterward, reminding me to be careful while my tongue was still numb and let me know that I can reach out to her anytime if I have any questions or concerns.”
“Dental Mission Week allows us to meet patients exactly where they are — removing barriers and making essential care accessible when they need it most,” said LaDonna Overton, director of Dental Mission Week. “This initiative matters because it transforms lives while shaping future providers who understand the power of compassion, community, and follow‑through. I have been blessed to participate in every DMW event since its beginning.”