The Meharry Medical College Brings Healthy Smiles to Bedford County gala, was a spectacular event this past weekend. The spirit of gratefulness filled the room as Meharry was honored for its dedicated service in bringing dental services to the city of Shelbyville.
Both Dr. Cherae Farmer, Dean of Meharry’s School of Dentistry and Dr. Julie Gray, Associate Dean of Community Based Collaboration were recognized and presented gifts of appreciation by Fredia Lusk, executive director of the Community Clinic of Shelbyville & Bedford County, Inc.(CCsBc) and a special donation from supporters was also presented. Dr. Phil Wenk, president of the Smile 180 Foundation was also recognized for donating more than $180,000 of equipment to the clinic.
During the event Meharry President, Dr. James E.K. Hildreth shared the college’s vision and motto emphasizing how the work done by Meharry faculty, staff and students to bring much needed dental services to Shelbyville perfectly aligns with the institution and its motto – “Worship of God through Service to Mankind.”
Several elected officials supported the gala to include Keynote speaker state Sen. Shane Reeves, 4th District, state Rep. Pat Marsh, 4th District and Mayor Chad Carroll, City of Shelbyville with all sharing messages of the importance of collaboration between communities, businesses, foundations and elected officials to ensure better healthcare for all.
Proceeds from the gala will be donated to CCsBc and the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.
About the Meharry School of Dentistry
Currently, the School of Dentistry receives close to 3,000 applications and admits approximately 75 undergraduate dental students and 10 international dental students each year. In addition, there are two graduate programs, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and General Practice Residency. Although the program itself has grown to keep up with the latest innovations and the communities it serves, Meharry’s dental program still adheres to requiring all first-years to fulfill their basic sciences requirements through courses taught through the School of Medicine; born out of necessity, it is an approach that has proven effective for over 100 years, and one that generates interdisciplinary, integrated thought and exchange of ideas. It is a part of the School of Dentistry’s legacy that remains just as relevant today—and part of what keeps Meharry’s dental program competitive and challenging.
Written By: Jolene Butts Freeman, AVP Communications and Marketing at Meharry Medical College
Published: April 15, 2025
