Now in its 10th year, Dental Mission Week has provided free dental care to thousands of Mississippians who face barriers to treatment, according to a University of Mississippi Medical Center news release.
The annual effort aims to address gaps in access to oral health services while giving students and trainees hands-on experience in community service, the release says. Organizers say the program pairs care delivery with professional training to prepare future dental professionals for work in underserved communities.
Experts and public health officials note that limited access to dental care remains a challenge in many parts of Mississippi, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Community-based initiatives such as mission weeks can help reduce immediate barriers to basic dental services and raise public awareness about oral health as a component of overall health.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center posted details about this year’s activities on its website. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
