Who We Are
North Charleston Dental Outreach has served the Chicora-Cherokee community for over 20 years, opening after the closure of the Charleston Naval Shipyard. This has only been possible through the dedication of individuals from Charleston's faith, academic, and dental community. We have a small staff who operate the clinic, along with students from MUSC and private practice dentists who volunteer their time. We are fortunate to have a committed Board of Directors who are deeply invested in the clinic's vision to serve our neighbors in need.
Leadership Team
Staff
Dr. Bill Sasser, Dental Director
Lisa Summerlin, Program Administrator
Elijah Melendez, Development Coordinator
Jamie Ayers, Clinical Coordinator
Ann Martinez, Schedule Coordinator
Board of Directors
Mr. Robbie Nichols, Treasurer
Mr. Bruce Wallace, Secretary
Dr. Charles Anderson
Mr. Larry Colley
What We Do
With the closure of the Charleston Naval Shipyard in the 90’s, a group of concerned individuals established the first charity dental clinic in the North Area. This was located in a small building in what was once a thriving neighborhood, but one which had fallen on hard times due the loss of jobs relating to the base closure.
For over 20 years a group of dedicated volunteers operated this facility on a limited basis treating individuals who had dental pain, but lacked money to afford care in a private office.
The new North Charleston Dental Outreach is the culmination of a vision to address an increasing need for care among the poor in our community. Many years of planning and fundraising led to the opening of a modern, 6 treatment-room clinic in the Fall of 2022.
This new facility is now open more hours each week, offering preventive and restorative services in addition to extractions. Dozens of MUSC dental and Trident Tech hygiene students are mentored each month as they render care under the supervision of our dedicated faculty.
Why We Do It
God’s call is to not neglect to do good and to share what we have as an offering in response to God’s goodness in our own lives. North Charleston Dental Outreach was established to the glory of God to help people in the community with few options for receiving needed dental treatment. Dentists today can do amazing work to restore and maintain dental health, which is a critical aspect of a healthy body. Unfortunately, modern dentistry is also expensive and outside the reach of low-income individuals.