Give today to provide quality dental care to uninsured and underinsured patients in Southwest Virginia

Dr. Scott R. Miller has been dedicated to providing dental care and improving access to dental services in Southwest Virginia. His mission is deeply rooted in serving underserved communities, particularly in rural areas, where many residents face challenges accessing quality dental care. This area is where Dr. Miller calls home, a region often characterized by economic hardship and a lack of nearby dental professionals, making it difficult for people to receive necessary treatment. "I see the number of patients in the community needing oral health care growing every year. So many people are hurting, in need, and praying for hope. We can give them hope when we restore their smiles. It will give them confidence, they will be able to enter the workforce again, and they will be out of pain."

— Scott Miller, D.D.S., Clinical Site Director

Mission Dental of Virginia, Inc., operating as the Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center (AHCDC), plays a crucial role in improving access to dental care for underserved populations in Southwest Virginia. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable dental services to those who would otherwise struggle to receive proper care due to financial or geographic barriers. Here's an overview of the Center's impact and the role it plays in the community:

Key Services and Impact

1. Comprehensive Dental Care:
   AHCDC offers a wide range of dental services to meet the needs of its patients, including:
   • Preventive care: Cleanings, sealants, and oral cancer screenings.
   • Restorative services: Fillings, crowns, bridgework, bonding, and implants.
   • Periodontal care: Treatment for gum disease.
   • Advanced treatments: Root canals, extractions, removable dentures, and more.
   • Preventive health: Blood pressure screenings, promote overall well-being in addition to oral health.
2. Serving the Medically Underserved:
   As one of the largest clinics accepting Medicaid in Southwest Virginia, AHCDC is a lifeline for those who have limited resources for dental care. The clinic treats a wide age range of patients, from 10 to 97 years old, ensuring that both children and adults receive the care they need.
3. Training Future Dentists:
   AHCDC is also a residency site, training dental school graduates each year in a dental health professional shortage area. This residency program helps to address the shortage of dental professionals in the region by fostering the next generation of dentists who will be equipped to serve the community's needs.
4. Community Partnerships:
   The center collaborates with local organizations, local schools, community colleges throughout the state, Job Corps programs, free clinics, hospitals/emergency departments, and social service organizations to ensure that the uninsured and underinsured populations receive the dental care they need. In 2024, AHCDC received 2,142 referrals from these community partners, showcasing the clinic's deep integration into the local healthcare ecosystem.
5. A History of Service:
   Since its opening, the Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center has served 7,928 individual patients and documented 32,193 visits. This speaks to the vital role the center plays in addressing the ongoing dental care needs of Southwest Virginia's residents.

Making a Difference

The work done by AHCDC goes beyond just dental care—it is about creating a path to recovery and restoration for individuals in need. Whether it is through providing dental care to individuals recovering from addiction, supporting those in low-income housing, or offering preventive services to children in schools, AHCDC plays a transformative role in the community’s health and well-being.

How You Can Help

Your contribution to the Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center directly impacts the lives of individuals in Southwest Virginia. Whether through financial donations, volunteer work, or raising awareness, your support can help continue and expand the critical work of providing dental services to those who need it the most. By helping AHCDC, you are not only improving oral health but also contributing to the broader effort of health equity in the region.

In summary, AHCDC is much more than a dental center; it is a community partner working to create better health outcomes and access to care for one of Virginia’s most underserved regions. Through education, treatment, and partnerships, AHCDC is changing lives—and your support can help make that change continue to grow.