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Recorded Session
Recorded Session

Melissa D. Porter, DDS, MHS

PGY-2 Pediatric Dentistry Resident
Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College

Dr. Melissa D. Porter, DDS, MHS, is a Pediatric Dentistry Resident in the inaugural class at Meharry Medical College(MMC). Hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, she knew she wanted to care for children when she grew up.

Dr. Porter graduated summa cum laude from Alabama A&M University and continued her training at MMC, where she completed her Master's in Health Science, Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, and General Practice Residency Program certification, serving as Chief Resident. Dr. Porter served underrepresented and diverse populations at federally qualified health centers and private practices for over six years.

In addition to being selected as her program's first Chief Resident, Dr. Porter has received the following accolades: the 2023 Dr. Bessie Delaney Scholarship, 2024 MMC's 10 Under 10, 2024 NDA's Class of 40 Under 40 and 2025 Dr. Frank Farrington Service and Leadership Award. She served as a guest speaker at the 2024 Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Team Meeting, the 2024 Meharry AAWD Women's Symposium, 2025 Our Future is Science and Liberated Success: HBCU STEM Powerhouse Event, and the 2025 Meharry Mentorship and Momentum Panel. In March 2025, Dr. Porter had the pleasure of presenting a case on Scurvy in a patient with special healthcare needs at the International Conference on Dentistry and Oral Health.

Dr. Porter is passionate and unwavering in her commitment to enhancing dental education for patients, promoting preventative care, bridging the gap between Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry, educating future dentists, and conducting impactful research.

When she's not busy saving one tooth at a time, Dr. Porter spends quality time with her son, Jayden, dogs, Zero and Skor, family, and close friends. She loves volunteering locally and globally—at community events and on international mission trips—exploring restaurants, reading "physical" books, caring for her plant babies, and "hunting for unique finds" (shopping).

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