April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and it’s the perfect time to pause and appreciate all of our incredible volunteer dentists who are the heart and soul of the Ben Massell Dental Clinic (BMDC). These 140 compassionate, extraordinary professionals go above and beyond, providing free dental care services to uninsured, low-income residents of Metro Atlanta. Thanks to their dedication, more than 1,200 individuals received the care they so desperately needed last year alone. They also make time to teach and mentor the next generation of dentists: BMDC also serves as a teaching clinic for residents and students.
As Barbara Jones, Director of BMDC, puts it, “Without our volunteer dentists, this clinic – this vital resource of oral health to those in the Atlanta community who rely on us so much – wouldn’t exist.”
Among these remarkable volunteers is Dr. Ken Hutchinson, whose unwavering commitment to BMDC spans an astonishing 42 years. What began as a requirement for community service during dental school has blossomed into a lifelong passion. For Dr. Hutchinson, BMDC isn’t just a place to provide dental care — it’s a home where he has mentored countless students, shared in the joy of helping those in need, and found community and purpose in a profession that can feel isolated.
From Student to Mentor
“During dental school, (students) were required to do offsite community service to get a different perspective on dentistry,” Dr. Hutchinson recalls. “I chose to do that at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic because of its proximity to my family. When my time ended, I went to the Director at the time, Ms. Blanche Howard, and told her how much I enjoyed it. She said, ‘Well good, and I’m going to challenge you that when you get your license, you come back here and serve on the volunteer staff.’ And that’s what I did: I’ve been practicing dentistry since 1982, and ever since I was a brand-new dentist, I’ve spent time every year at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic.”
Dr. Hutchinson’s unwavering support has been nothing short of inspiring. “Dr. Hutchinson is one of those jewels that we are fortunate to have,” says Barbara. “He’s continued our legacy and helps us remain true to who we are. I know I can call him and say, ‘we need you,’ and he will clear his schedule to be here. That’s the kind of dedication he brings.”
The Giver Receives
While the volunteer dentists at BMDC give back to the community in a myriad of ways, their experiences also enrich them in return. For Dr. Hutchinson, volunteering at BMDC is just as rewarding as it is impactful.
“It’s an incredibly positive group of people, from Barbara to the assistants and hygienists. Now that I’m retired, BMDC is a real encouragement to keep going and provide dental services, keep my professional and people skills up, and mentor students,” he says.
Because most dentists practice independently, dentistry can often be an isolating profession, Dr. Hutchinson explains. Working alongside fellow volunteers at BMDC offers him a sense of collaboration and camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere.
“It’s a real community effort, from the students to the volunteers to the dental manufacturers that donate equipment — there’s a synergy between the community, profession, and supply companies. I don’t know of anywhere quite like it,” concludes Dr. Hutchinson. “There’s a lot of moving parts, a lot of people who come together for the greater good. I’m really pleased to be a very small part of that.”
Thank you to Dr. Hutchinson and all the selfless volunteers who continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Their time, expertise, and generosity truly make the Ben Massell Dental Clinic a beacon of hope in the Metro Atlanta community. To learn more and support BMDC, click here, and if you’re interested in volunteering with us, click here!