Memphis dentist stepping up to transform lives, smiles of former inmates

By Arianna Poindexter | July 17, 2020 at 7:24 PM CDT - Updated July 18 at 7:47 AM

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A Memphis dentist is using his craft to change lives by transforming smiles.

“It’s not all about looks,” said Dr. Anthony Price. “It’s about what makes you feel good, and a lot of times teeth help out with that.”

Dr. Price has been a dentist for about 10 years, and specializes in cosmetic dentistry. He calls it art -- customizing smiles for hundreds of his clients.

Recently, he partnered with the Buried Alive Project which works to help fight for criminal justice reform.

He gave a new smile to a man who was formerly incarcerated -- an experience he says also impacted his life especially being a Black man.

"I could tell immediately it made an impact in his life," Price said. "Sometimes there's a little unbalance in the court system, in the justice system and that's clear." The video got the attention of Kim Kardashian West who is a prison reform advocate. Price's efforts also come as Shelby County leaders consider an ordinance to Ban the Box which would remove the check box that asks if applicants have a criminal record when applying for Shelby County Government jobs.

The idea is to make it easier for ex-offenders to compete with other applicants. Price hopes giving ex-offenders new smiles will ALSO help in that effort.

“Smiling is something that is very important, it’s essential and him coming out of prison, and if he’s not comfortable - that smile that’s just one more barrier.”

Full story can be found here: https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/07/17/memphis-dentist-stepping-up-transform-lives-smiles-former-inmates/