FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE
David Sprayberry
Senior Public Relations Manager, Ad5Partners
[email protected]
601-454-3579

JACKSON, Miss. (February 4, 2026) - Hancock Whitney Bank has announced a $25,000 donation to support the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry's 10th Annual UMMC Dental Mission Week, scheduled for Feb. 2-5, 2026.

For the third year, Hancock Whitney Bank is a premium sponsor of Dental Mission Week, an annual initiative that provides free dental care to underserved, uninsured, and vulnerable adults and children across Mississippi. Patients travel from communities throughout the state to receive critical dental services during the weeklong event.

"Access to quality health care, including dental care, is essential to building stronger communities," said Jackson Market President Leigh Pace
of Hancock Whitney Bank. "We are proud to support UMMC Dental Mission Week and the School of Dentistry's commitment to serving Mississippians who otherwise might not be able to afford dental treatment."

Hosted by the UMMC School of Dentistry, Dental Mission Week raises awareness about barriers to dental care while delivering no-cost services
to those most in need. The School of Dentistry will provide a full week of free dental treatment, including cleanings, extractions, fillings, oral hygiene education, oral cancer screenings, and limited root canal services for front teeth. Services are provided by UMMC faculty, staff, and student volunteers.

"We are deeply grateful for the generous monetary donation from Hancock Whitney Bank," said Dr. Pia Chatterjee Kirk, dean of the UMMC School
of Dentistry. "Their commitment to strengthening our Mississippi community and investing in meaningful local initiatives such as Dental Mission Week makes a real and lasting difference. This contribution to the UMMC School of Dentistry will allow us to expand our impact and continue providing dental care to the community. We thank them for their continued support."