After more than 40 years in dentistry, Timothy Blair, DDS, could have easily stepped away from the chair for good. He had earned his retirement, built a remarkable career, and given decades of his life to caring for patients across Memphis. But for Dr. Blair, retirement didn’t mean stopping—it meant listening.
“I felt led,” he says simply.
That calling led him to Church Health.
For the past nine months, Dr. Blair has been volunteering his time and expertise in the Church Health Dental Clinic, continuing to practice the craft he loves while serving patients who otherwise might go without care. For him, dentistry isn’t just a profession—it’s a privilege.
“Every dentist has the opportunity to do something that nobody else can do,” he says. “And I especially enjoy being able to do something for somebody that they can’t do for themselves.”
At Church Health, that opportunity comes alive every day. The clinic is well-equipped, thoughtfully designed, and staffed by people who care deeply about the mission. But what matters most to Dr. Blair is the impact: meeting an enormous need with simple, life-changing care. Cleanings. Fillings. Routine dental work that allows someone to eat, smile, and live with dignity.
“There’s a huge demand for the kind of dentistry we do here,” he explains. “It’s bread-and-butter dentistry—but there’s nothing like having your teeth. They come in handy at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
Volunteering has given Dr. Blair more than a way to give back—it’s given him joy. Free from the pressures of overhead, administration, and private practice logistics, he’s able to focus fully on what first drew him to dentistry: caring for people.
“It’s an enormous privilege for me,” he says.
For anyone considering volunteering, his advice is refreshingly simple:
“If you have a heart for it and the time—just go do it. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.”
The need is great. The impact is real. And the invitation is open.
Learn more about opportunities to Volunteer at Church Health.
