Local group brings back free dental clinic to the Mid-South | News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Mid-South Mission of Mercy brought back their annual free dental clinic for the ninth year on Friday. Organizers said 13,000 people have been helped over the last 9 years. 

“There’s a tremendous need for dental care,” Stueart Hudsmith with Mid-South Mission of Mercy told FOX13.

People started lining up outside Bellevue Baptist Church Thursday night. Laryn Hampton, a patient, arrived to the church around 2:30 Friday morning.

“Everybody was outside like, wrapped around,” said Hampton.

Hampton told FOX13 she was able to get her teeth cleaned and a filling all for free.

“It was to the point where I didn’t even know where I was going to be able, when I was going to be able, where I was going to be able to get some work done with my teeth,” said Hampton.

The free two-day clinic gives people in the Mid-South the opportunity to get different dental work done. From extractions, to fillings, and teeth cleanings. Barret Sexton, a Memphis Oral Surgeon and clinic volunteer, told FOX13 other services are offered as well.

“We have a prosthetic area where you might have a tooth pulled or you’re missing a tooth, and you can have a tooth replaced same day,” said Sexton. “We also have a pediatric dental area where kids can come in and be treated as well.”

Hudsmith told FOX13 it takes thousands of volunteers to be able to put on this annual event.

“We have hygienist, assistants, and we even have medical personnel on site,” said Hudsmith. “It’s not just the dentist; it’s the surrounding volunteers that really help us.”

Hudsmith said helping someone improve their smile can really boost their confidence.

“When they have a bright smile, they’re confident, they can interact with people, go on job interviews,” said Hudsmith. “It’s just heartwarming to be able to restore those smiles for those patients.”

Hampton told FOX13 she was pleased with the service and plans to come back.

“I will definitely comeback again but I will come back more prepared for the weather,” said Hampton.

Volunteers will be back at Bellevue Baptist Church Saturday morning to continue providing dental work. Doors open to patients at 6 a.m.

Organizers said you don’t need an appointment or an ID. If you’re taking medications, organizers ask that you bring a list of what you are taking. If you are bringing children, organizers say they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.