Hundreds of community members filled the halls and gym of Liberty High School Saturday for the fourth annual Piedmont Smiles, a one-day, pop-up dental clinic dedicated to providing free, quality care to those who need it most.
Beyond the numbers—over 280 patients served this year thanks to hundreds of volunteers—were the stories of relief, gratitude and connection that defined the day, organizers said.
Patients received X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and other vital treatments, all provided at no cost by volunteer dentists, hygienists and medical professionals from across Virginia and Washington, D.C.
One patient said they received more than just dental services, according to a news release.
“I am very grateful for the care I received today,” the patient said. “During my time at Piedmont Smiles I also received education about my diabetes and high blood pressure. I was gifted a blood pressure machine and a wonderful volunteer named Zoila helped connect me with future care at the Sinclair clinic in Winchester.”
Dr. Courtney Ashby of Remington Family Dentistry described the day as both humbling and inspiring. She noted events like Piedmont Smiles remind her why she became a dentist in the first place—to relieve pain and restore confidence.
“Everyone who walks through these doors deserves to feel cared for,” Ashby said. “Our goal is to help people leave here not only free from pain, but with a reason to smile again.”
Piedmont Smiles organizers, including Rob Marino, executive director of the Fauquier Free Clinic (center), Margy Thomas, senior program officer at the PATH Foundation (right) and Michelle R. McGregor, director of community and collaborative partnerships at Virginia Commonwealth University, stand at Saturday’s event at Liberty High School in Bealeton.
Rob Marino, executive director of the Fauquier Free Clinic, spoke about the deeper impact of the event, saying dental care is often one of the most overlooked components of health care. Many patients, he said, haven’t seen a dentist in decades and have been living with pain for years.
“Each year, we see how much this event means to people,” Marino said in the release. “It’s more than just dental care—it’s a reminder that health care access and hope go hand in hand, and that our community takes care of each other.”
The Fauquier Free Clinic received a multi-year grant from the Virginia Health Care Foundation starting in 2023 that has allowed it to provide dentist and oral surgery services, but the local need is still more than the clinic can meet.
This year’s clinic brings the total number of patients served since Piedmont Smiles began in 2022 to over 1,000. The event is made possible by the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s Missions of Mercy program, the Fauquier Free Clinic, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Howard University College of Dentistry, Germanna Community College and a wide network of community partners.
“I’m always amazed by how everyone jumps in — solution-minded and ready to help,” said Margy Thomas, senior program officer at the PATH Foundation. “From generators and equipment to water lines and plumbing, there’s so much that goes into making this event work seamlessly. Watching it all come to life and working together to support our patients is truly incredible.”
Piedmont Smiles served 280 patients during Saturday’s event at Liberty High School in Bealeton.
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