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Giving Back: Our Annual Free Dental Care Day Recap

free dental care day carolinasdentist

At CarolinasDentist, community care is at the heart of what we do. While we’re proud to offer high-quality dental services across North Carolina year-round, our Annual Free Dental Care Day is a special reminder of why we do what we do — to help people smile with confidence, regardless of financial barriers.

This year, we hosted our day of service at two of our coastal offices — CarolinasDentist at Wilmington-The Pointe and CarolinasDentist at Porters Neck — and the turnout was both humbling and inspiring.

Across both locations, our teams came together to provide free dental care to 145 patients in one day. From cleanings to extractions and fillings, our focus was simple: to help people feel better, healthier, and more confident — one smile at a time.

95 Patients Treated at Wilmington-The Pointe

At our Pointe location, the team hit the ground running early in the morning and didn’t stop until every patient had been seen. A total of 95 individuals received care — many of them expressing relief and gratitude for treatment they may not have otherwise been able to afford.

There was a real sense of teamwork and shared purpose. From the front desk staff to the dental assistants, hygienists, and doctors, everyone worked with efficiency and compassion to make sure each patient felt welcome, understood, and cared for.

50 Lives Touched at Porters Neck

Meanwhile, at our Porters Neck location, 50 patients were welcomed with open arms. Some came in experiencing pain; others had been putting off dental care for years due to cost or lack of insurance. In many cases, these appointments provided much-needed relief — physically and emotionally.

The Porters Neck team delivered care with their trademark warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail, creating a calm and reassuring environment from start to finish. The impact was tangible, and the smiles at the end of each visit said it all.

Special Thanks to Our Spanish-Speaking Volunteers

This year, we were incredibly fortunate to have support from the UNCW Latino Alliance club, whose Spanish-speaking volunteers played a vital role in ensuring all patients — regardless of language — felt comfortable and supported.

Their presence helped us bridge communication gaps, build trust, and offer inclusive care for Spanish-speaking members of our community. We are deeply thankful for their time, energy, and dedication — they truly made a difference in making the day a success.

More Than a Day — A Lasting Impact

Our Free Dental Care Day isn’t just about the number of patients we see or procedures we complete. It’s about making care accessible. It’s about meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and doing our part to lift the burden that dental issues can create — physically, financially, and emotionally.

This annual event reflects the spirit of CarolinasDentist: that everyone deserves quality dental care and that small moments of service can create lasting ripple effects throughout our communities.

Gratitude to Our Teams and Patients

We want to thank everyone who made this day possible — the doctors, hygienists, assistants, patient coordinators, and volunteers who donated their time and talents. Your dedication turned a busy day into a beautiful one.

To the patients who trusted us with their smiles — thank you for showing up. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, care for you, and be part of your journey toward better oral health.

We’re already looking ahead to next year’s Free Dental Care Day and other community outreach opportunities. Until then, we’ll keep showing up for our patients — in big ways and small — because giving back isn’t just an event for us. It’s a core part of who we are.

Stay connected with CarolinasDentist for more updates, future service days, and stories of care in action. If you’d like to be involved in the next Free Dental Care Day — whether as a volunteer, donor, or partner — we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we’re creating healthier smiles and stronger communities — one day at a time.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.