VMC’s longstanding community Dental Clinic, powered by local dentists, professional dental students and volunteers, is expanding services through new clinical internships. The clinic’s goal is to provide dental care and treatment to the homeless and low income of Knox County while also providing important clinical experience to further the education and future careers of LMU dental students.
Volunteer Ministry Center’s (VMC) Dental Clinic, providing services since 1998 to individuals experiencing homelessness in addition to low-income residents of Knox County, is excited to announce a new mutually beneficial partnership with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU). In January, the first class to begin Community Based Dental Education (CBDE) Rotations at LMU started serving with VMC’s Dental Clinic supervised by House Mountain Dentistry’s, Dr. John Osborn. This first-ever VMC partnership includes multiple professional dental students who are benefitting from the clinical internship by gaining weekly supervised clinic hours to further their experience and future careers while also providing critical dental care to the population that VMC serves.
The VMC Dental Clinic offers fillings, extractions, cleanings and the provision and repair of dentures. These services not only address dental pain and improve overall health, but also empower patients to take steps toward stability, including seeking employment and permanent housing. This new partnership allows VMC to serve students in their education while also providing critical life-changing care to the unhoused and low-income residents of our community. Learn more about the VMC Dental Clinic at https://www.vmcinc.org/dental-clinic.
The VMC Dental Clinic is staffed primarily by dental professionals who volunteer their time and skills, therefore, hours and days of service may vary. The clinic is typically open on Mondays and Fridays, but may also be open other weekdays when a provider is available. Please call to verify clinic hours: 865-934-1746. Services are free to eligible patients who are Knox County, Tennessee residents and who meet HUD income guidelines for “Extremely Low” income or are considered literally homeless under HUD standards.