Governor Bill Lee, in partnership with the Tennessee Charitable Care Network (tccn), has officially proclaimed 16–20 Jun 2025 as Smile Power Oral Health Week. The initiative celebrates the vital services that charitable dental clinics provide to thousands of Tennesseans each year while raising awareness of the dangers of do-it-yourself (diy) dentistry.
Oral health professionals across the state are sounding the alarm on a growing trend of individuals attempting to treat dental issues at home. reported cases include people using superglue to reattach crowns, extracting teeth with pliers, and moving teeth using fishing wire or rubber bands. these practices have led to permanent nerve damage, serious infections, and further oral complications.
Research indicates that more than three in ten Tennesseans avoid smiling due to the condition of their teeth, while one in five adults report anxiety about their oral health. A healthy smile is not just cosmetic—it affects self-esteem, job prospects, and overall well-being. When professional care feels inaccessible, many resort to harmful alternatives.
Dr Michele Blackledge-Polk, director of dental services at neighbourhood health, regularly sees the consequences of diy dentistry.
“I had a patient the other day who had gotten braces from someone who was not a trained professional,” she said. “Her teeth had moved so fast that I had to tell her the only thing that’s holding your teeth in now is the wire. i took the wire off, and of course, it’s loosey-goosey. She’s upset, and I’m having to tell her there’s nothing for us to do. we can’t save them, we can’t glue them back in. What she did before has now created a bigger issue.”
Blackledge-Polk stressed the importance of education. “I think the biggest thing is trying to get patients to understand that we’re not the bad guys, we’re not hating on the people that are doing this. But I do really want you to think about the risks you are taking, because there are no short-term fixes in dentistry. If you’re worried about finding or affording proper dental care, know that there are so many community resources and programs that can help—all you have to do is ask.”
Charitable clinics such as neighbourhood health, with support from partners like Delta Dental of Tennessee, provide reduced- or no-cost services to patients who might otherwise go without care. In 2024, these clinics delivered 51,861 oral health services to 31,096 Tennesseans, covering everything from preventive check-ups to emergency extractions and restorative work.
“Charitable dental clinics across Tennessee are doing extraordinary work every day—restoring not just oral health, but dignity, confidence, and hope,” said Jeff Ballard, president and ceo of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “We are proud to stand alongside them—during Smile Power Week and all year long. A healthy smile is important, but I can’t emphasise enough—you don’t have to do it yourself.”
