Transforming Smiles, Empowering Futures: UMMC's Free Care Friday Brings Dental Care to Underserved Children

The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry is making strides in improving oral health outcomes and addressing disparities in Mississippi. Through its inaugural "Free Care Friday" pediatric dental clinic, the school is providing uninsured children with free, comprehensive dental care, ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to their oral health.

Bridging the Gap: UMMC's Commitment to Accessible Dental Care

Reaching the Underserved

The Free Care Friday initiative reflects the school's mission to improve health outcomes and close health disparity gaps in Mississippi. By offering free dental services to uninsured children, the clinic aims to reach a population that often falls through the cracks – those who make too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. "We noticed that there's a large population of people who make too much for Medicaid, but aren't able to get affordable insurance through an employer," said Dr. Sara Jane McCrary, chair of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health. "Those families and children who fall through the cracks also deserve dental care. We're trying to reach that population as best we can."

Comprehensive Care and Hands-On Learning

The Free Care Friday clinic accommodates 12 patients at a time, providing them with a full range of dental services, including X-rays, teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, silver crowns, and extractions. This comprehensive approach ensures that each child's oral health needs are addressed during their visit. Additionally, the clinic offers dental students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in treating pediatric patients, working alongside pediatric residents and faculty. "Our students need more experiences with pediatric dentistry," said Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, interim dean of the School of Dentistry. "This idea of free care Friday is a mutually beneficial for all. We welcome children and their families to the UMMC School of Dentistry."

Empowering Families and Transforming Smiles

The Free Care Friday initiative has been a game-changer for families like the Pomerlee's, who were able to take advantage of the clinic's services. "My mom came for Dental Mission Week and she's been coming here ever since," said Sherrell Pomerlee, mother of Kennedy and Jimmy Pomerlee. "About a week after she told me about that, I saw a post for Free Care Friday on Facebook. I was thrilled. We're getting checkups and whatever they need done. It's right before they go back to school. It's perfect." The clinic's impact extends beyond just providing dental care; it empowers families and transforms the lives of children, ensuring they can start the school year with healthy, confident smiles.

Expanding Reach and Securing the Future

Due to the high volume of applications, the Free Care Friday clinic is no longer accepting applications for fall 2024 appointments. However, the School of Dentistry will accept applications for its three Spring 2025 clinics later. This demonstrates the overwhelming demand for the clinic's services and the school's commitment to continuing this impactful initiative. By expanding the reach of the Free Care Friday program, the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry is paving the way for a future where every child in Mississippi has access to the dental care they deserve.