Changing Smiles in Haiti

In February of 2003 Angela Best and Lisa Philp had the privilege to travel with a group of dental professionals, from Indiana, on a dental mission trip to Haiti. The Parish Twinning Programs of Americas is an organization that matches an adoption-sponsorship-type relationship between a North American Parish and a Haitian Parish.

Their initial intent for joining the group was to give back to the profession of dental hygiene with this Indiana group in need of dental hygiene services on their annual trip. Little did Angela and Lisa know the significant impact their decision would have both professionally, and personally, in their hearts, minds, and spirits.

Haiti is a country of just over seven million people. The destruction caused by the return of democracy in 1985 prevents the Haitian people from accessing the most basic of survival needs including food, shelter, and clean water.

In the parish rectory on cement floors, they set up their dental clinic. They treated 554 patients in four days, with ages ranging from 5 to 75. They provided toothbrush instruction for the children and fluoride treatments on an as-needed-basis.

Most importantly, they mentored the only local dentist with basic cold soak measures, modern injection techniques, the impact of periodontal disease, and how to remove calculus with ultrasonics.

A heartfelt thank you to their Canadian supporters, Dentsply, Patterson, Sinclair Dental, and the dozens of Transitions Group dental practices who contributed to the fundraising efforts.
To read the entire article about this life-altering experience, please obtain Dental Practice Management ~ Summer 2003 Issue or go to www.oralhealthjournal.com.