From Deseret News archives:
LDS dentists travel the world
They improve patient care by teaching recent advancements
Dr. Scott Healey of Lindon and several colleagues from the Academy of LDS Dentists have applied that biblical lesson to dentistry, sharing knowledge with dentists in developing countries so they, in turn, can provide better care for their patients.
On a recent trip to Campinas and Sao Paulo, Brazil, as well as Mexico City, Healey and four others taught dental-care professionals there recent advancements in dentistry.
"We spoke to over 1,000 dentists," Healey said. "If each of those dentists helped 1,000 patients, we have the potential to impact a million people."
To many people in the United States, dentistry is mostly about a beautiful smile. But Healey says that in some parts of the world people die from a lack of dental care.
The goal of the 800-member academy, he says, is to alleviate some of the suffering.
During the week of June 3-10, several dentists including Dr. Gordon Christensen, Provo, and his son, Dr. Michael Christensen, Ontario, Canada; Dr. Karl Koerner, Draper; and Dr. Dale Linton, Bountiful, made their rounds in several third-world areas.
The dentists lectured in Sao Paulo and Mexico City to academic professors at the Campinas Dental School.
Christensen said each trip brings something new. He says each time he visits a new area, he is motivated to continue his travels.
"I have been to so many places," Christensen said. "We are providing service for others, but they give us much in return as well."
After his first trip with the academy Christensen said he knew there would be many more to follow.
Healey, whose first trip with the academy was to Colombia in 2001, said the group goes back each time because it wants to improve patient care throughout the world. He hopes to keep both patients and doctors abreast of the know-how and materials that are available in dental care.
Aside from teaching other dentists the advancements in oral care, dentists of the academy have made numerous trips to orphanages in Israel, India and Brazil. And they've provided free dental clinics in Honduras and Peru.
Pointing to a picture of himself with a group of orphans in Guadalajara, Mexico, Healey said, "It is impossible for one to leave without having their hearts touched. It is such an emotional experience."
Some of the cost of these trips is provided by 3M ESPE, a major dental supply company, but much of the travel cost is out-of-pocket for the doctors, Healey said.
The group has tentatively scheduled a trip for next June to help educate dentists in Chile and Peru.
E-mail: sstewart@desnews.com
