On Saturday, August 23rd, Meharry Medical College hosted its biennial Oral Health Day, providing free dental services to over 450 residents from underserved communities.
The event, held on the campus of the historically Black health sciences college, brought together faculty, staff, volunteers, alumni, community dental professionals, and dental students to ensure everyone received the oral care they needed.
Services provided included oral screenings, cleanings, extractions, and other dental treatments. For many residents, this day offered a rare opportunity to access dental services.
Patient Frani Conger said she drove three hours to Meharry to address a long-standing dental problem. “Oral Health Day was a godsend for me,” she said. “I had been dealing with pain for so long.”
Conger added that two other dentists had refused her treatment. “But at Oral Health Day at Meharry, I received the best dental care I’ve ever received… I’m so grateful to the dentists here.”
Dr. Julie Gray, Oral Health Day chairperson, noted that oral health isn’t just about teeth and gums; it directly impacts overall health, including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. “By providing these services, we help people live healthier, happier lives.”
Third-year student Doney Eden oversaw the logistics of the event, arranging volunteers to serve patients based on their expertise and providing translation support when needed.
He said this embodies the Meharry students’ mission to combine medical expertise with cultural understanding and empathy.
“That’s what Meharry is all about,” Eden says. “We’re training not just healthcare professionals who provide care, but providers who understand the cultural and economic backgrounds of their patients.”
Notably, nearly 27% of practicing Black dentists in the United States graduated from Meharry College of Medicine, highlighting the school’s important role in promoting equity in oral health care.
Dr. Gray concludes, “Oral Health Day showcases the achievements that healthcare institutions can make in serving their communities. This tradition has a profound impact on both patients and providers.”
