For many Tennesseans living in rural communities, access to dental care can be difficult to find. Long travel times, limited providers and financial barriers often prevent people from getting the treatment they need. In Bedford County, however, Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County (CCsBc) is helping bridge that gap by providing affordable, accessible dental care to residents of all ages.
Since launching its dental program in 2021, CCsBc has become a vital resource for children, adults and seniors throughout the community. Through partnerships with organizations like Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and support from Delta Dental of Tennessee, the clinic is ensuring that more residents can receive quality oral health care close to home.
Access to dental care is a challenge for many rural communities, and Bedford County is no exception. Located between several neighboring communities that lack charitable dental clinics, CCsBc serves as an important access point for residents who might otherwise have to travel significant distances for care.
The clinic provides comprehensive dental services for patients ages 3 and up, including cleanings, examinations, X-rays, fillings, extractions, partials and dentures. The team also accepts TennCare dental benefits for both adults and children, helping ensure that patients can receive the preventive and restorative services they need.
By offering care locally, the clinic helps reduce transportation barriers and allows patients to receive treatment sooner, preventing minor oral health issues from becoming more serious problems.
For many low-income families, the cost of dental care can be one of the greatest obstacles to maintaining good oral health. CCsBc works to address this challenge by serving uninsured Bedford County residents who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
In addition to TennCare coverage, the clinic utilizes several funding sources to increase access to care. Safety Net funding helps support dental services for adults ages 19 to 64, while the Smile 65 grant provides care for older adults. These programs allow the clinic to reach individuals who might otherwise go without dental treatment due to financial constraints.
The clinic's mission is simple but powerful: remove barriers to care so residents can receive the oral health services they need to live healthier lives.
Community partnerships have played a critical role in the clinic's success. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry has been a key partner in bringing dental services to Bedford County, providing care for patients while also creating valuable learning opportunities for future dental professionals.
CCsBc has served as a teaching site for Meharry since 2019, helping students gain hands-on experience while expanding access to care for local residents. The partnership continues to strengthen oral health services throughout the region and reflects a shared commitment to serving underserved communities.
Delta Dental of Tennessee also plays a role in supporting efforts through its partnership with Meharry and community-focused oral health initiatives.
As clinic leaders noted:
"Delta Dental of Tennessee and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry brought dental care to Bedford County in 2021. Dr. Phil Wenk was instrumental in making it happen. COVID-19 did not delay the vision."
While preventive care is essential, restorative treatment can be life-changing for patients who have lived for years without a healthy smile. Through the Smile180 program, eligible patients can receive free partials and dentures that help restore both function and confidence.
The impact of these services can be seen in the stories of patients whose lives have been transformed through access to dental care.
One older woman received a full set of dentures after having lived without teeth since she was 15 years old. Her children and grandchildren were overjoyed to see her smile again.
Another patient, a young man who experienced extensive tooth loss resulting from substance use during his teenage years, received a full set of dentures through the program. The treatment helped restore not only his smile, but also his confidence.
An 18-year-old patient who had lost her two front teeth was able to receive a partial denture, giving her the opportunity to smile comfortably again during an important stage of her life.
These stories highlight how oral health care extends beyond teeth and gums. It can improve confidence, self-esteem and overall quality of life.
CCsBc is committed to reaching some of the community's most vulnerable populations. The clinic provides free dental care for children ages 3 to 18 and low-cost services for adults and seniors. In addition, the team provides comprehensive dental care to inmates at the Bedford County Jail on a weekly basis.
By serving low-income residents, children, older adults and incarcerated individuals, the clinic helps address significant oral health disparities within the community. Its work ensures that more people have access to the care they need, regardless of income or circumstance.
As oral health needs continue to grow, Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County remains focused on expanding access to quality care for the residents it serves. Ongoing collaboration with Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, support from community partners and fundraising efforts like the annual Meharry/CCsBc Gala help sustain and strengthen the clinic's mission.
For residents across Bedford County, the clinic represents more than a place to receive dental treatment. It is a trusted community resource that helps improve health, restore confidence and create brighter smiles for generations to come.
View our Dental Care Resource Guide for an updated directory of free, low-cost and sliding-fee dental clinics located across the state of Tennessee.