Miller helped establish the clinic after applying for federal grant money in 2002 through the Health Resources and Services Administration. The clinic has served Hardin and surrounding county residents with special medical needs for over five years.

 “It was my vision to provide dental care for patients with special medical needs and give UofL dental students the opportunity to work in a variety of real-life settings,” said Miller.

Miller retired from UofL in 2004 after 30 years of service. He received numerous awards for dedication to students and the dental profession, including the title, University Distinguished Professor in 1998.

UofL dental school students and volunteer community dentists will continue to help staff the Dr. Richard L. Miller Oral Health Clinic. Patients are accepted by referral only.

“Patients who come to the clinic have a wide-range of oral health problems, ranging from tooth decay to gum disease. Some patients need dentures or crowns” said Theresa Mayfield, Director of Community Based Dental Partnership.

 “Oral health is an integral part of systemic health, and we’re making people healthier. We have many patients who say the clinic is life changing – they can eat again, they can smile again,” said Mayfield.