Natalie’s Legacy: The Heart Behind the Smiles Across Montana Mission Clinic

A Life Dedicated to Service & Connection

Natalie Mays was a bright light in the lives of so many—an MSU student, a compassionate advocate, and a friend to all who knew her. She had a deep love for helping others, a profound respect for Native American culture, and a dream of making a difference in the world. Though her life was tragically cut short in 2024, her vision lives on through the Smiles Across Montana Mission Clinic, an event held in her honor, and other initiatives dedicated to service, education, and mental health awareness.

This remembrance page is a place to honor her memory, carry forward her legacy, and support the causes she cared about most.

Carrying Forward Natalie’s Vision

Natalie believed in compassionate action and the power of community. Through the Smiles Across Montana Mission Clinic, we continue the work she was passionate about—bringing essential dental care to underserved communities, fostering connections, and giving back in ways that truly matter.

Each year, this mission clinic will stand as a tribute to her kindness, empathy, and commitment to helping others, ensuring that her dream of expanding healthcare access and community support continues for years to come.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing mental health challenges, there are compassionate professionals and organizations ready to help. Please consider reaching out to one of these trusted resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 anytime, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support from trained counselors.
NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “NAMI” to 62640, Monday through Friday, 10AM to 10PM EST, for information, resources, and peer support. Learn more at nami.org/help.
National Mental Health Hotline
Call 1-866-903-3787 anytime or visit mentalhealthhotline.org for round-the-clock assistance and guidance.
Crisis Text Line
Text REASON to 741741 anytime or visit crisistextline.org for immediate, confidential support by text message.

You are not alone, and help is always available. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and these resources are here to support you whenever you need it.

💙 Support the Smiles Across Montana Mission Clinic

Your donations help provide free dental care, supplies, and resources to those in need, making a lasting impact on countless lives.

📚 Natalie’s Legacy: The Heart Behind the Smiles Across Montana Mission Clinic

Natalie Mays’ compassion, courage, and love for serving others continue to inspire the Smiles Across Montana Mission Clinic. Each year, students, providers, and community partners come together to honor her life by delivering essential dental care and whole-person support to those who need it most. Through this work, Natalie’s voice continues to spark hope—and change—across Montana.

Save the Date: 2026 Mission Clinic

March 27–28, 2026 • Montana State University Campus
Mark your calendar and plan to join us at MSU for two days of care, connection, and community. Volunteer, sponsor, or help spread the word—every role helps carry Natalie’s legacy forward.

How You Can Help

Volunteer: Clinical and non-clinical roles welcome.
Sponsor/Donate: Support supplies, on-site logistics, and patient care.
Share: Invite friends, classmates, and colleagues to get involved.

New Book From Dr. Keith King:

We’re honored to share that Dr. King is preparing a book drawn from Natalie’s journals—an honest and unflinching window into her fight and her strength.

📚 Impact by the Numbers — Smiles Across Montana 2025 Mission Clinic

180 patients served (57 children • 123 adults)
$124,226 in care delivered
482 cavities treated
77 cleanings • 47 deep cleanings
34 volunteers powering care
Sheridan College partnership: 3 faculty/staff & 15 dental hygiene students (one clinic day)

Why This Mission Matters

Smiles Across Montana addresses real gaps in access to care while fostering mental-health awareness, dignity, and belonging. By showing up—whether in a clinic chair, as a runner on logistics, or as a donor—you help transform lives and keep Natalie’s light shining.

Where Your Donation Goes

Every dollar underwrites real care for patients in need.

$75 covers preventive care like fluoride varnish or helps supply a dental sealant for a child.
$100 funds a routine exam or helps cover sealants/X-rays for decay detection.
$150 supports a child cleaning or a full bitewing X-ray set.
$198 provides an adult cleaning.
$330–$360 helps pay for deep cleaning (full-mouth debridement) or a resin filling (1–2 surfaces).
$420 offsets the cost of a tooth extraction when pain relief can’t wait.

Your gift turns into pain relief, restored function, and renewed confidence—often the same day.

Summary from Dr. King

One voice can save many.

We are blessed that Natalie provided us with a collection of her journals which consist of her thoughts, words and struggles. Through her words, her voice is loudly heard.

These thoughts and journal entries are now being converted into a book which will be shared with many. It is our hope that this book will resonate with a lot of the adolescents who are battling eating disorders and struggling with mental health issues (anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts), similar to Natalie.

This book provides an honest, raw, and uncensored view of Natalie’s continuous fight. Her words will no doubt ring true with many individuals confronted with eating disorders and struggles with self-worth. We also feel that parents and professionals will find this book insightful, informative, and helpful in developing strategies to prevent these ongoing problems.

Natalie’s legacy continues through her powerful words.

🔗 Learn more about the PowWow: PowWow Info Link

Honoring Natalie Mays

This mission clinic is dedicated to the memory of Natalie Mays, an MSU student with a deep love for Native American culture and a passion for serving others. Though her life was tragically cut short in 2024, her vision for community outreach and care continues to inspire this work.

By participating in this event, you help carry forward her legacy—bringing hope, smiles, and compassion to those in need.

DONOR WALL

Join us in honoring Natalie’s legacy. Donate today to add your name to this special list of supporters.

Lindsay Godball

May 13, 2025

Amount Donated

$103.00

Vernice Branwhite

May 11, 2025

Amount Donated

$5.00

Patient Reviews

Have been going to Dr. Mays for years and have always been extremely satisfied with the care I have received. The staff is extremely considerate and professional. Couldn’t imagine going to a different dentist.

- Martin W.

Very friendly staff who somehow making going to the dentist somewhat enjoyable! I highly recommend them!

- Amie D.

Dr. Mays and her team are the best! They provide excellent service, and are always friendly and personable. They make the experience as enjoyable as possible!

- Liz F.