Dentistry: Smile

Residents of metropolitan areas take dentistry for granted. People on casual drives through Central Virginia, for instance, will pass numerous dental practices. They encounter signs for family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Many patients schedule routine sessions for cleaning and check-ups. At the first sign of a toothache, they put in a call.

More remote regions do not enjoy similar access. Localities may have only one or two dentists, or none. Citizens in such circumstances are less likely to have dental insurance as well.

The Virginia Dental Association's Mission of Mercy (MOM) projects take dental services to corners of great need. Dentists travel to specific sites to offer free examinations and treatment. Since 2000, 39 MOM projects have provided more than $14.5 million in free dental care to some 30,000 patients.

Dr. Terry Dickinson, executive director of the VDA, founded MOM. This year Gov. Tim Kaine nominated him for the Private Citizen Distinguished Service to State Government Award as recognized by the National Governors Association. Dickinson received the honor during the NGA's annual meeting in Biloxi. The location of the event underscores the professionalism and compassion reflected by MOM. In 2006, Dickinson led a project to New Orleans to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, which also ravaged Mississippi's Gulf Coast.

Dickinson fully deserves the recognition, and shares it with the dentists and assistants who participate in his projects. Until fairly recently, most people probably endured discomfort in their teeth and jaws much of the time. When the pain grew unbearable, a dentist (or smithy) grabbed some pliers -- and pulled.

The greatest gratitude Dickinson and his agents of mercy receive occurs when their kind smiles are returned by smiles beaming with new brightness.