Dentistry with Heart
Dr. Preston McAlexander
Growing up on a cattle farm with a schoolteacher mother, Dr. Preston McAlexander understood the value of hard work but also knew that farming wasn’t his path. Encouraged by his parents to explore opportunities beyond their own professions, he excelled academically and set his sights on a career in medicine.
It wasn’t until his sophomore year at the University of Mississippi, when he began shadowing a family friend who was a dentist, that everything clicked.
With a natural talent for working with his hands—developed through woodworking, carpentry, and construction jobs—dentistry became the perfect blend of science, skill, and artistry. The ability to deliver immediate results, maintain a balanced work-life schedule, and create a positive impact on patients’ lives cemented his decision to pursue dentistry.
Discovering the Power of Service
Dr. McAlexander always had a heart for service, but financial constraints early in his career made volunteering difficult. During dental school, he saw opportunities for mission trips but couldn’t afford to participate. It wasn’t until years later—12 years into practice and several years into his tenure with Kids Dental Brands—that he was finally in a position to give back in a bigger way. With the support of an established practice and experienced colleagues who could manage his patients in his absence, he embarked on his first mission trip in 2016.
That trip, organized through his church, took him to Honduras with a well-established medical and dental mission group. With logistics like supplies and equipment already in place, he was able to use the trip as a first venture in the world of volunteering overseas, studying the logistics of the operation. Over seven days, he and a small team of dentists and other medical professionals treated as many patients as possible, confirming what he had long believed—small acts of care can create profound change. This experience ignited a passion for volunteer work that has since shaped his career in meaningful ways.
Supported by Kids Dental Brands
Dr. McAlexander’s dedication to service aligns seamlessly with the values of Kids Dental Brands (KDB), a company committed to providing high-quality dental care to all children, regardless of financial status. Just as he would treat every patient with the same level of care—whether they are covered by Medicaid or arrive in a private jet—KDB operates with the philosophy that all children deserve dignity in their dental care. Unlike other providers that may cut corners for lower-income patients, KDB ensures that every child receives top-tier treatment in a welcoming, state-of-the-art environment.
KDB’s commitment extends beyond the office and into the communities they serve, supporting dentists like Dr. McAlexander in their volunteer efforts abroad. Knowing his practice would continue to provide exceptional care in his absence gave him the confidence to take part in more mission work, reinforcing that dentistry can be a tool for change, both at home and overseas.
Making an Impact in Honduras
Volunteering in Honduras presents challenges far different from those of a modern dental office in the U.S. Clinics are often set up outdoors, on school porches with no electricity, air conditioning, or standard dental chairs. During his most recent trip to Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras, Dr. McAlexander and his team improvised treatment stations using lounge chairs donated from a cruise ship, propped up on cement blocks. With only headlamps for lighting and a soap-and-bleach sterilization system for instruments, they focused on urgent care, relieving pain and treating infections—a “worst first” approach.
Patients often travel great distances and wait hours for treatment, knowing it may be their only chance to see a dentist for years. Many arrive with severe dental issues—abscesses, broken teeth, or infections that have caused them pain for months. Unlike in the U.S., where children may be apprehensive about dental visits, these kids, though scared, recognize the life-changing importance of the care they receive. Their gratitude fuels Dr. McAlexander’s dedication, making every challenge worthwhile.
One of his most memorable experiences involved treating Bella, a young girl who was literally thrown away as an infant and saved and adopted by an American missionary family. Severe dental issues and deep fear of medical procedures had made treatment nearly impossible for previous volunteer dentists. By taking the time to build trust—playing together, sharing meals, and creating a bond—Dr. McAlexander was able to complete her much-needed dental work, ensuring she wouldn’t suffer for another year without care. Bella’s story serves as a powerful reminder of why he does this work—helping those who need it most, especially children who have already endured so much.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Dr. McAlexander is already preparing for his next trip to Roatán in October 2025, aiming to bring a more structured team, including additional dentists and support staff. His long-term vision extends beyond mission trips—he hopes to establish a permanent dental clinic on the island. Partnering with a local mission organization that already operates a medical clinic, he envisions securing donations for equipment and setting up a dedicated dental space with multiple chairs. While the clinic wouldn’t be staffed full-time, a permanent setup would enable visiting dentists to perform more advanced procedures and ensure more consistent care for the community.
Beyond his international work, Dr. McAlexander is committed to giving back in his own community. For the past three years, he has volunteered with Smile Again, an initiative organized by the Dream Center in DeSoto County, Mississippi, where his Horn Lake practice is located. Smile Again is a one-day event offering free dental care to uninsured individuals. In 2024, he hosted the event at his own office, closing operations for the day to serve over 125 patients alongside a team of 7–8 local dentists. With an estimated $65,000 in free care provided, the impact was undeniable. While international mission trips are crucial, Dr. McAlexander knows that many people in his own backyard also lack access to essential dental care. Through Smile Again, he ensures that his commitment to service extends both globally and locally.
A Career with Purpose
Dr. Preston McAlexander’s journey to dentistry was shaped by those who encouraged and invested in him. Now, he pays that forward—not only by providing high-quality care in his daily practice but also by using his skills to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. His story is a testament to the impact a dentist can have beyond the office, proving that dentistry is not just about fixing teeth—it’s about changing lives.
For dentists seeking a career that offers more than just clinical practice, Kids Dental Brands provides an opportunity to serve communities, both locally and abroad. With the right support, dentists can step away to give back, knowing they are part of an organization that values care, compassion, and meaningful impact. Just as Dr. McAlexander found his purpose, others can discover the fulfillment that comes from using their skills to help those who need it most.
