MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thousands across Shelby County are coming together to provide dental care to those who need it most.
Since 2016, the Mid-South Mission of Mercy has provided more than $8.5 million worth of dental care to over 13,000 patients. On Jan. 26, 2024, the free dental clinic returned to the Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova.
“Last year I was at the end of the line,” Vanzetti Bankston, a patient at this year’s clinic.
The journey to his perfect smile has been more than a year in the making for Bankston after he missed his chance at last year’s Mission of Mercy.
“I made sure I was here early enough this time to get in,” said Bankston.
The Memphian waited in line overnight this year, joining hundreds of patients Friday morning.
Dr. Mitchel Godat, the COO of Mission of Mercy, said this is an example of how large the demand is in Shelby County for affordable dental care, and why year after year, volunteers show up to help them out.
“People who don’t have dental insurance are getting help. We want to make sure that they know about other places they can get dental care throughout the years,” said Godat.
Cleanings, fillings, and extractions are all on the menu at the clinic, which are being performed by thousands of volunteers. Some people traveled across the country to help.
“One daughter flew in from Montana yesterday, one from Knoxville,” said Dr. Stuart Hudsmith, who has been volunteering since 2016.
While it may only be for the weekend, Godat said this clinic will be a major step for hundreds of patients to get the smile of their dreams.
“Somebody can go back and smile for that picture, or get a job. We’ve seen a number of people get off drugs through this too. It just changes their lives, so what an amazing way we can help transform people,” said Godat.
“It’s a blessing,” said Bankston. “They’re going to give me a new name because I’m going to be smiling everywhere I go.”
For those not able to make it out Friday, the clinic will reopen at Bellevue Baptist Church at 2000 Appling Road, starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27. No appointments are necessary, but the clinic will operate on a first come, first service basis until capacity is met. No documents are needed, but those taking part are asked to bring a list of medications that they are on.
To volunteer, sign up using THIS LINK.