The Healing Hand: Moffett Burgess, DDS

For Dr. Moffett Burgess, dentistry is about more than fixing teeth — it’s about providing compassionate care to those who need it most. As the dental director of a nonprofit serving low-income families and people experiencing housing instability, Burgess sees firsthand how oral health impacts overall well-being.

“I love my job,” she says. “Lots of patients we see come because they or their child have a toothache or long-standing issues they are worried about. It’s an honor to be in a position to help fix their problems.”

Beyond the dental chair, Burgess is passionate about prevention, particularly when it comes to children. Her team works in elementary schools providing education and preventive care to help young people who are furthest from health-care justice to avoid the dental issues that plague many adults. “The opportunity to prevent disease and spare kids from the troubles we see so many adults go through is deeply rewarding,” she says.

Burgess emphasizes that dental disease is closely tied to the social determinants of health, disproportionately affecting families living in poverty and communities of color. “Providing low-barrier, quality and compassionate care is a meaningful part of addressing health disparities in our community,” she explains.

Burgess urges families to advocate for policies that expand access to dental care — and to prioritize a healthy diet at home.

“What kids eat and drink between ages 5 and 12 will make or break their lifelong oral health,” she says. Her advice? More home-cooked meals, fewer snacks, and water instead of sugary drinks.

Through her work, Burgess is proving that quality dental care is not just about smiles — it’s about equity, dignity and community health.

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