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Day of GoodWill: Honoring a Life of Kindness Through Care
Each November, our team at Dentistry of Uptown Charlotte opens our doors—and our hearts—for a very special day of service: The Day of GoodWill. This annual free dental clinic is more than just an event; it’s a living tribute to the life and legacy of our beloved cousin, Will Pearce, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022.
Will was the kind of person who lit up every room he entered. He never met a stranger, always had a kind word or a helping hand, and gave of himself without hesitation. His spirit was one of joy, generosity, and deep compassion—and it’s that spirit we carry forward through this day of giving.
In Will’s honor, we partner with fellow dentists, hygienists, assistants, and dedicated team members from dental companies across the state to provide free extractions, fillings, cleanings, root canals, and even same-day crowns to individuals in the Charlotte community who lack access to dental care. Many of our patients come through partnerships with organizations like the Charlotte Rescue Mission and the former King’s Kitchen—people with real needs and stories, whose lives are touched in very real ways by the care they receive.
Since the inaugural Day of GoodWill in 2022, our small team of volunteers have provided over $120,000 worth of complimentary dental services—restoring not just smiles, but dignity, comfort, and hope.
This day is one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of our year. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers who travel from near and far, taking time away from their own lives and practices to join us in serving others. Together, we laugh, we cry, we work hard—and we celebrate the power of kindness to change lives.
We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come, honoring Will’s memory by spreading goodwill, compassion, and healing—one patient at a time.
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
In addition to her work with the DYOR Clinic, Dr. Hotić regularly volunteers at North Carolina Missions of Mercy (NC MOM) clinics—traveling free dental clinics that provide critical oral health services to adults who are uninsured or underinsured across the state. These large-scale, mobile events are organized by the North Carolina Dental Society Foundation and rely entirely on the generosity of volunteer dental professionals and community partners. At each clinic, patients receive a range of services including cleanings, extractions, and restorative care—all at no cost.
For Dr. Hotić, NC MOM clinics are not only an opportunity to give back, but also a space to mentor the next generation of dental professionals.
She especially enjoys working with pre-dental students who volunteer at these events, offering them hands-on exposure to the dental field and valuable insight into patient care. Whether it’s answering questions about dental school, demonstrating techniques, or simply encouraging students as they explore the profession, Dr. Hotić is passionate about helping aspiring dentists find their path.
Through both her clinical service and her mentorship, Dr. Hotić remains committed to expanding access—to care, to knowledge, and to opportunity—for those who need it most.
