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Day of GoodWill
Each November, Dentistry of Uptown Charlotte hosts the Day of GoodWill — our annual free dental clinic for members of the Charlotte community who would otherwise go without care.
In one day, our team and volunteer clinicians provide life-changing dental treatment, restoring comfort, confidence, and dignity through compassionate, high-quality care.
Since 2022, we have donated over $160,000 in dental services through this event.
The Day of GoodWill reflects our belief that dentistry can be a force for good — and that access to care has the power to change lives.
DYOR Dental Clinic: Giving Back to the Community
At Dentistry of Uptown Charlotte, service to others is more than a value—it’s a way of life. Dr. Minka Hotić’s deep-rooted commitment to community care began well before she entered private practice. During her time at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, she served as a lead coordinator for the SHAC Dental Clinic, the longest-standing student-run dental clinic in the country. Through SHAC, she helped provide free dental care to underserved populations across the Triangle region every Wednesday, gaining firsthand experience in bridging gaps in access and advocating for oral health equity.
In her final years of dental school, Dr. Hotić co-founded the DYOR Dental Clinic alongside her colleague, Dr. Ali-Raza Heydary. The clinic was established in memory of their fellow UNC students Deah Barakat and Yusor Abu-Salha, two extraordinary individuals who were tragically taken too soon. Deah and Yusor had been passionate about humanitarian work, particularly their dream of providing dental care to Syrian refugees. DYOR was created to honor their vision and carry forward their legacy of compassion, justice, and service.
Located in Raleigh, NC, the DYOR Clinic continues to deliver free, high-quality dental care to refugees, displaced individuals, and underserved adults throughout North Carolina. As a student-led initiative at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, it remains one of the only clinics of its kind offering advanced restorative procedures—such as dental crowns—at no cost to patients. Although now in private practice, Dr. Hotić returns regularly as a faculty advisor, mentoring and supervising students as they provide compassionate care.
The clinic thrives thanks to the dedication of its volunteer network—including local dentists, hygienists, and dental students—and the generous support of Wake Smiles and the Our Three Winners Foundation. Dr. Hotić’s continued involvement in the DYOR Clinic reflects our practice’s core belief that dentistry is more than a profession—it’s a powerful means of healing, connection, and service to others.
Mentorship and Mission Work
Dr. Hotić regularly volunteers with North Carolina Missions of Mercy (NC MOM), a statewide program that provides free dental care to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. These mobile clinics bring essential services — including cleanings, extractions, and restorative care — to communities across North Carolina.
Beyond patient care, Dr. Hotić is deeply committed to mentoring future dentists, working closely with pre-dental students at these clinics to share insight, encouragement, and hands-on learning.
Through service and mentorship, she remains dedicated to expanding access — to care, to knowledge, and to opportunity.
