What could be more rewarding than a smile? Dentist Kevin Muench of Maplewood says the return is far greater than the investment when he volunteers for a free dental clinic for low-income people, a joint program involving UMDNJ and The Pankey Institute.

At the most recent clinic, located at UMDNJ's hygiene school in Scotch Plains, Dr. Muench cared for a man in his 40s who worked a maintenance job and, while friendly and chatty, always covered his teeth with his hand when he spoke or smiled. "Each of his six front teeth had to have all four sides rebuilt," says Dr. Muench. In the end, the man looked in the mirror and burst into tears of joy. "He was crying. He was beaming. And for the first time in a long time, he didn't have his hand over his mouth. He said, 'I've never been short for words, but I'm speechless.' He couldn't wait to show his wife." 

The changes that result from the free clinic are not just cosmetic, says Muench. "It's all about self-confidence and self-esteem. It means being able to walk into a job interview, look the employer in the eye and smile."

Around the country, eight other states run similar free clinics, called Pankey Access Days. Inspired by their success, Dr. Muench volunteered to put New Jersey on the map by helping to organize the state's first Pankey Access Days last summer. All told, 150 patients were seen and $150,000 worth of work was donated at the two-day New Jersey clinic.

The next free clinic is scheduled in Scotch Plains on Friday and Saturday, July 16 and 17, 2010. It is funded through grants and sponsorships and other acts of kindness, like the dozen donated dental chairs that are packed into the Pankey truck and travel from clinic to clinic.

The best way for Maplewoodians to help out? Now is the time for interested dentists, hygienists and other dental workers to sign up since dozens of volunteers will be needed. No dental training? You can still help by identifying people in need and offering transportation. You might reach out on your own or organize a larger effort through your church, synagogue or service group. Volunteers can sign up at padnj@me.com.

As for the man whose smile was rebuilt, he recently wrote to Dr. Muench and his staff, calling them "angels who walk the earth." His letter says, "For the first time in over ten years, I am smiling without hesitation. That is a gift without measure. You have changed my life."

MapleGOOD is a blog that profiles our hometown heroes and their feats to better mankind. It's inspired by our neighbors' sense of selflessness and the good works that they carry out quietly all the time. If you know a MapleGOOD-doer whom you'd like to see profiled, drop us a line.