Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Missions of Mercy dental clinic in Sparta, NC. The North Carolina Missions of Mercy (NCMOM) free dental clinics are an outreach program of the North Carolina Dental Society. Free dental services are provided to the adult under-served population of the area on a first-come, first-served basis.

I try to attend a couple of these clinics every year. Not only do I get to help those in need, but I get to see my fellow dental colleagues and friends. Not only do dozens of dentists donate their time and services, but there are so many students, assistants, hygienists, lab technicians, and retired folks giving their time to the cause.

To learn more and/or to volunteer/donate at one of these events, please click here! You DO NOT have to be in the dental field or have dental experience to help out! There are only a couple more events this year (Salisbury, Gastonia and New Bern). They are only possible with the help of the community.

After a morning of taking out teeth, I took a break to take these photos. Hopefully this will give you a glimpse of all the hard work that goes into these events!

It blows my mind how these lab techs work their magic in just a few short hours. Frankly, my job was easy; I can't imagine the amount of time and effort it takes to set up and run one of these events.

Me and a couple of UNC colleagues!