As the University of Mississippi Medical Center celebrates its 10th annual UMMC Dental Mission Week, a local bank is stepping in to help with the cause.
Hancock Whitney Bank, which was founded in Bay St. Louis and is headquartered in Gulfport, announced Wednesday that it donated $25,000 to support UMMC’s School of Dentistry. It’s the third year in a row Hancock Whitney has participated in Dental Mission Week. The initiative provides free dental care to underserved, uninsured, and vulnerable adults and children across Mississippi.
“Access to quality health care, including dental care, is essential to building stronger communities,” said Leigh Pace, the president of Hancock Whitney’s Jackson market. “We are proud to support UMMC Dental Mission Week and the School of Dentistry’s commitment to serving Mississippians who otherwise might not be able to afford dental treatment.”
Held at UMMC’s main campus in Jackson, Dental Mission Week raises awareness about barriers to dental care while delivering no-cost services to those most in need. Throughout the week, patients travel from communities across the state to receive critical dental services.
Free treatments include cleanings, extractions, fillings, oral hygiene education, oral cancer screenings, and limited root canal services for front teeth. Services are provided by UMMC faculty, staff, and student volunteers.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous monetary donation from Hancock Whitney Bank,” said Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, the dean of the UMMC School of Dentistry. “Their commitment to strengthening our Mississippi community and investing in meaningful local initiatives such as Dental Mission Week makes a real and lasting difference. This contribution to the UMMC School of Dentistry will allow us to expand our impact and continue providing dental care to the community. We thank them for their continued support.”
For those who want to learn more or those who may want to take advantage of the free services offered during UMMC Dental Mission Week, click here.