From the seeds of childhood dental issues to championing mission trips that bring care to the underserved, Mary Wick's story offers a powerful reminder: dentistry can be both science and a calling.

Mary's path began with a powerful influence, her mother, a nurse practitioner whose work ethic and compassion left a lasting impression. One quote, particularly, stuck with Mary through her hardest times: "I get tired, but I never get tired of it." Those words carried her through the demands of dental school and the pressure of serving communities where care often feels out of reach.

Growing up, Mary faced extensive dental issues, with cavities on nearly every tooth. These issues led her to numerous procedures, many of them done with little explanation. This sparked a lifelong frustration with the lack of education around oral health. Instead of letting those early experiences define her, Mary turned them into motivation to ensure others never feel the same fear or confusion at the dentist.

Mary's interest in public health dentistry began at the University of Miami, where she earned her Bachelor of Science and later pursued a Master's in Public Health. Her graduate studies deepened her understanding of the systemic barriers that limit dental access and fueled her passion for advocating patient education.

Mary found her purpose at Caring for Miami, a nonprofit mobile dental unit, where she helped launch a teledentistry program and worked as a dental assistant for several years. Her hands-on experience with underserved patients reinforced her belief in compassionate care and the importance of access to care.

Even while battling a personal health crisis during dental school, Mary remained committed. "Dental school is demanding… but being part of Caring for Miami reminded me why I chose this profession," she shared, " Each day working at Caring for Miami brought a new dentist, a new style, and a new opportunity to learn."

She witnessed firsthand how these professionals treated patients with empathy and dignity, especially those who had long felt neglected by the system. These patients weren't treated as just another case; the dentists took time to listen, understand, and connect. "That's when I knew, " Mary said, "this is what I want to do. I want to be the kind of dentist who bridges the gap in access to care." Her time at Caring for Miami cemented her belief that increasing access to care and empathy are just as vital as clinical skill.

Attending Nova Southeastern University (NSU) for dental school, alongside the NSU Dean of Community Programs and Public Health, Dr. Mark Schweizer DDS, and Dr. Rashondia Gaines DDS, Mary played a key role in establishing dental outreach trips with the non-profit organization called Remote Area Medical and organizing missions to Puerto Rico and Jamaica despite logistical hurdles. She often took time off, paid her way, and risked not receiving academic credit. She wanted to do good things, not because she expected something in return, or who she was doing it for, but because of who she is. As she continues to do mission trips for NSU as an attending faculty, she reminds the students: "That patient is a person, not just a requirement. Never lose your compassion, empathy, and the feeling these mission trips give you."

One patient once told her, "God made this all possible so that I can meet you and you can take me out of pain to help me." That moment struck Mary deeply. "They hadn't stopped seeking help; they just never had access to it. Our efforts gave them what they'd been searching for. That makes it all worth it."

Mary's experience across various roles in dental care, from assistant to educator, shaped her leadership style. She deeply appreciates dental assistants: "I never take my team for granted".

She makes it a point to listen to patients, remember their stories, and approach care through a public health lens. She describes her approach to dentistry with three simple words: "Educate, not convince."

Looking ahead, Mary envisions opening a clinic or a mobile unit dedicated to delivering care to underserved populations. She believes that Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) have a unique opportunity to support this mission by partnering with local community health clinics, donating supplies, and fostering volunteerism, not for recognition, but for meaningful impact.

Outside of dentistry, Mary loves being out on the water, boating, diving, or spearfishing. She also enjoys going country line dancing and never misses a chance to cheer on her hometown football team, the Miami Hurricanes. A creative at heart, Mary is also passionate about photography, graphic design, and organizing, earning her the nickname "The Container Store" from her dad.

Her attention to detail and creative spirit bring a thoughtful, personalized touch to her workspace and patient care.

Mary Wick's journey is a testament to the power of lived experience, empathy, and purpose-driven care. She exemplifies how, when guided by heart, dentistry becomes a force for healing beyond the clinic walls. Every smile she restores has a deeper story of access, dignity, and hope.

As the dental world continues to evolve, stories like Mary's light the way forward. It is a place where compassion meets care, and impact is measured not in procedures but in lives changed.