UMMC School of Dentistry launches 'Free Care Friday' for Mississippi kids

UMMC School of Dentistry launches 'Free Care Friday' for Mississippi kids

Published on Monday, July 15, 2024

By: Rachel Vanderford, [email protected]

Photos By: Jay Ferchaud/ UMMC Communications

The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry hosted its inaugural "Free Care Friday" pediatric dental clinic last week, starting the first of several planned events over the next year to reach underserved families.

Reflecting the school's mission to improve health outcomes and close health disparity gaps in Mississippi, this initiative aims to provide uninsured children with free dental care.

"The overall goal is to ensure that they get comprehensive care and that we address each child's oral health needs while they are here," said Dr. Sara Jane McCrary, chair of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health. "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. Those families and children who fall through the cracks also deserve dental care. We're trying to reach that population as best we can. I wish we could treat more, but we are doing what we can."

McCrary noted that the pediatric clinic accommodates 12 patients at a time, limiting the number of children they can treat. The children received X-rays and teeth cleanings, followed by treatments such as cavity fillings, silver crowns and extractions to address tooth decay or damage.

Additionally, the clinic offers dental students the opportunity to gain experience treating pediatric patients, while 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. " Our community has children with unmet dental needs. This idea of free care Friday is a mutually beneficial for all. We welcome children and their families to the UMMC School of Dentistry."

Devon Coleman, a fourth-year dental student, explained to 9-year-old Kennedy Pomerlee of Byram that she needed fillings in one tooth and two baby teeth extracted.

"Do you trust me or do you need to come back so they can put you to sleep?"

"I trust you," Pomerlee said. 

She and her brother Jimmy Pomerlee, 4, were able to take advantage of the first Free Care Friday, getting a full checkup before school starts in the fall. 

"My mom came for Dental Mission Weekand she's been coming here ever since," said mother Sherrell 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."

Due to the high volume of applications, the clinic is no longer accepting applications for fall 2024 appointments. The School of Dentistry will accept Free Care Friday applications for its three Spring 2025 clinics later. Prospective patients can find the application online hereonce submissions reopen.

For more information, call the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health at 601-984-6100.