For Gallatin’s Dr. Philip Ezell, the path to dentistry wasn’t just about science and skill—it was about a calling. Growing up fascinated by biology and chemistry, he always knew he would pursue a career rooted in science. Yet it was the influence of a close family friend, a respected dentist in his hometown, that first opened his eyes to the possibilities within dentistry. His early fascination with the profession eventually led him to pursue dental school, and as he waited for his acceptance letter from the University of Tennessee, he made a promise: if given the opportunity, he would use his skills to serve those in need through mission work.
Following dental school, the responsibilities of life–raising a family and building a practice–initially put those mission plans on hold. However, a recent opportunity arose when a colleague invited Dr. Ezell to join a long-running medical mission trip to Jamaica, organized by First Presbyterian Church of Nashville in partnership with Andrews Memorial United Church in Mandeville, Jamaica. For Dr. Ezell, it was a chance to fulfill a long-held promise he made many years ago.
The experience was nothing short of transformative. After flying into Montego Bay, Jamaica, and making the adventurous three-hour drive up to Mandeville—a mountain town over 2,000 feet above sea level—the team settled into the humble accommodations of Moorlands Camp, complete with bunk beds and cold showers. Despite the lack of modern conveniences, Dr. Ezell felt a growing excitement—and nervousness—as the mission work began.
Without X-rays, drills or suctions, the dental team had to rely on traditional methods, using dental elevators and mallets to perform extractions. Folding lawn chairs balanced on construction blocks replaced dental chairs. Each morning by 8:00 AM, lines of patients wrapped around the church grounds, many having endured months of dental pain without access to care. Over four days, Dr. Ezell and his team saw around 500 patients, extracting nearly 700 teeth and providing countless smiles, hugs and encouragement.
Despite the challenges, what stayed with Dr. Ezell was the gratitude of every patient. No matter how difficult the procedure or how scared the individuals were, each one left with a smile and heartfelt thanks. "We were able to put all of our daily stress from our busy lives back home to the side," Dr. Ezell reflected, "to help people who were truly in need."
Even when the formal mission ended, the team’s work didn’t. Back at the camp, kitchen staff approached Dr. Ezell with their own dental needs. This time, using picnic tables as makeshift treatment stations, the team continued serving until everyone they could possibly help was cared for at their camp.
The mission wasn’t without its difficulties. Losing two dentists who had to leave earlier than planned midway through the trip stretched the team thin, but the collective spirit of service and teamwork kept them moving forward. “Whether you are in construction, healthcare or education," Dr. Ezell shared, "there is always a life you can impact by simply doing what you do best.”
The trip also sparked a renewed sense of purpose back home. Dr. Ezell plans to get more involved in local free dental clinics, recognizing that even here in the U.S., many individuals still struggle to access basic care. He encourages other professionals, no matter their expertise, to use their God-given talents to make a difference, no matter how big or small.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Ezell emphasized how easily we can take our everyday comforts for granted—things like clean water and access to healthcare. His time in Jamaica offered more than just a chance to serve; it offered a powerful reminder of the deep fulfillment that comes from answering a higher call to help others.
As he looks forward to returning to Jamaica next year, Dr. Ezell hopes his story will inspire others in our community and his profession to take a step toward service, whether across the world or right in their own backyard.
"We're all called to serve in some way," he says. "And sometimes, just showing up can change a life—maybe even your own."
Dr. Philip Ezell
Smile Connections Family Dental
1650 Nashville Pike, #300, Gallatin
615.265.0330
SmileConnectionsLLC.com
"There is always a life you can impact by simply doing what you do best."
"Sometimes, just showing up can change a life--maybe even your own."