On April 12th, 2025, I had the profound privilege of volunteering at the Arkansas Mission of Mercy (ArMOM), a free dental clinic dedicated to providing care to those in need across the state. I arrived expecting to give back, but what I didn’t anticipate was how deeply this experience would give back to me. From the very beginning, I was moved by the sense of unity and purpose that filled the air. Professors, dental students, practicing dentists, and undergraduate volunteers all worked side by side, driven by a shared mission of compassion. The event was more than organized—it was inspiring. A beautiful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together for something greater than themselves.
Throughout the day, I met several dentists whose actions spoke volumes about what it means to serve with compassion. Each left a lasting impression on me—not just because of their clinical skills, but because of their humanity. I want to take a moment to highlight three individuals who inspired me deeply.
Dentists who inspired me
Spending time with Dr. Redd was one of the most impactful parts of my ArMOM experience. Throughout the day, I observed his compassionate interactions with patients and was deeply impressed by the level of care he provided. He took the time to walk each patient through their options, ensuring they felt informed and at ease. His calm, thoughtful demeanor created an environment of trust and respect. I later had the opportunity to speak with him one-on-one, and his words of advice were both encouraging and impactful. Dr. Redd’s kindness, humor, and wisdom left a lasting impression on me, and I am incredibly grateful for the insight he shared.
I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Dr. Stephen Fisher after he finished a procedure. He was very approachable and easy to talk to, taking the time to connect with me despite the busy environment. I appreciated his genuine interest in my aspirations and his down-to-earth demeanor. Dr. Fisher showed me how important it is to be both skilled and personable in this field. It was clear he values building relationships with those around him, and that’s something I really admire.
As the executive director of ArMOM, Dr. Terry Fiddler played a central role in organizing and overseeing this large-scale event. His leadership was exceptional—not only in its efficiency but in the way it reflected humility and service. Amid the busy coordination and logistics, he remained approachable, gracious, and attentive to everyone around him. Dr. Fiddler’s ability to lead such a meaningful initiative with both professionalism and compassion was inspiring. He exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose and lead by example, and I left with a deeper appreciation for the impact one person can have on an entire community.
I share these stories because meeting dentists like Dr. Redd, Dr. Fisher, and Dr. Fiddler filled me with hope for the kind of provider I aspire to be. Their compassion, generosity, and dedication to the community are exactly why I chose dentistry—and why I can’t wait to step fully into this field.
If you're in Arkansas or anywhere nearby, I wholeheartedly encourage you to volunteer at ArMOM. Even if it means a few hours of travel, it’s more than worth it. You’ll walk in to serve and leave with a deeper appreciation for the work being done and the people it impacts.
This day reminded me that dentistry isn’t just about teeth—it’s about people. It’s about listening, healing, and showing up for others with love and purpose. And if this is what the future of dentistry looks like, I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.
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