If you have visited the Iredell County Health Department’s dental clinic, you may have met Julia Stewart, the general receptionist who manages the front office. Stewart is responsible for answering phones, checking in patients, and ensuring visitors feel welcome. The clinic serves more than two dozen patients daily, providing affordable dental care to many residents.
“It’s busy,” Stewart said with a laugh, “but it’s rewarding. We’re giving Iredell County citizens a way to afford dental care, and that’s important.”
Stewart has been with the county since 2016. Her background in dentistry began earlier during her service as a dental assistant specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 to 1993. She was stationed in California and Okinawa and served on the forensics team during Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
“I love structure,” Stewart shared. “I love that we as a County have policies and goals. The organizational skills I learned in the Air Force help me every single day — at work and in life.”
Stewart credits her faith for guiding her career path into public health after leaving military service. “When I saw the job posting here, I just knew. I really do feel like this was God’s calling,” she said.
She finds satisfaction in helping patients access care through Medicaid or sliding scale options at the clinic. “We see a lot of people who can’t afford care,” she explained. “When you can show them ways they can get the help they need — through Medicaid or our sliding scale — it’s so rewarding. It changes lives.”
For Stewart, being a veteran is about pride and loyalty—values reflected in her work ethic and community involvement. Veterans Day holds special significance for her: “I always say I don’t celebrate my birthday, I celebrate Veterans Day,” she shared. “My son and I go out to lunch every year and spend time together. It is a family day.”
Her youngest son plans to join the Air Force soon, continuing their family tradition of military service.
“I have two boys,” she said, “but I’ve helped raise about 13 more. They might not all be mine by blood, but they’re mine in every way that matters.”
Stewart encourages young people to consider military service: “I’d advise all 18-year-olds to do at least four years. It teaches responsibility, direction, and how to support your country. It gives you direction in life.”
In addition to stories like Stewart’s highlighting dedication within county services, education remains an important focus locally; recent data show that about one quarter of junior students (25-29%) taking science or math portions of the ACT were considered ready for college during the 2022-23 school year according to state reports (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). Reading readiness rates were slightly higher among both juniors (37%) and seniors (36-37%) tested (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
For Julia Stewart, whether serving overseas or assisting patients locally, helping others has remained central throughout her career.
