DENTAL MISSION REPORT—-NOVEMBER 2016
The November dental mission to St. Pius took place on November 14-15-16. The mission leader was Regina Johnson, a dental assistant and dental office manager from Tennessee. She was a first time participant at our September mission.
The mission team included:
Dr. Teresa Prendiville, Tampa, FL
(fourth mission with us)
Dr. Justin Scott, Atlanta, GA
(Dr.) Hans Almanzar, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
(repeat missionary with us)
Regina Johnson, Team Leader, Cookeville,TN,
(repeat missionary with us)
Berline Joseph, RDH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
(repeat missionary with us)
Lauryn Sheeley, RDH, Atlanta, GA
(group organizer for the Atlanta folks)
Claire Smithson, RDH, Atlanta, GA
Tyler Barra, Assistant, Atlanta, GA
Hiba Alsajee, Assistant, Atlanta, GA
Kelsi Velpel, Assistant, Atlanta, GA
The team reports show that there was lots of compassion flowing with team members and with the patients. As usual, Miss Vivienne Bradford and Boxer were of tremendous help to the team, and they produced fantastic results.
Day Extractions Fillings Cleanings Exams Total patients
Monday 46 20 22 3 55
Tuesday 76 17 39 0 74
Wednesday 81 11 34 3 67
Totals 203 48 95 6 196
As usual, the staff at St. Pius, Miss Vivienne Bradford and Boxer were super hosts to the group, and having the security folks around was an added bonus both for the peace of mind and for the social interaction.
There was no school involvement at this mission.
Here are a couple of comments from the missionaries:
“I was blessed with the opportunity to put together a mission trip with a team of people from the dental office I work at. I went into the mission not sure what to expect, and I was overwhelmed with emotions. It felt like no matter what I did, I wasn’t quite doing enough. The people of Kingston blew me away with their gratitude and appreciativeness! Even though I felt like I was doing little, to them it was everything. This mission exceeded anything I expected, and I am already looking forward to returning in the future.” LS
I came home to great results from my final state exam and now I’m officially a Hygienist. As for the November mission it was different from the last, first thing first Regina was an amazing leader, and the Jamaican staff were excellent. In my opinion, Dr. Hans was the MVP………The hygienist on the first day were very overwhelmed however the next few days they adapted and we made it work. In overall outside the clinic everyone were very nice and had great hearts. It was very interesting to see how the different work ethics came together.
It was a good mission…Good team. A few hiccups, as expected in any group dynamic, but by the end, all was working well and I feel that we did some VERY good work……… a tech I know in Orlando is interested in joining future missions to explore replacing those front teeth we hate to pull. Thanks Roger, I think it was a good one this time. Dr. T
I would like to let you know that I personally had a great experience during our 3-day mission. It was so awesome to be able to help other patients that are in need for dental treatments. We wanted to do more things for those people that came in with more than one problem but, of course we had to be mindful of others who are waiting to be seen as well. Regina did an awesome job helping us and guiding us through it all, she is a rock star! Dr. Teresa was amazing and she did an excellent job helping and leading the team, she is phenomenal! And of course Boxer was the man that was always there when we needed him and he was super friendly and very helpful. Overall I felt great about what I did and I will defiantly keep it in mind so I can come back next time and help more patients. HA
This trip was equally rewarding and gratifying as the September mission was. There was a few bumps, but all in all,
we came, we conquered, and hopefully left a footprint in the hearts of many that we served. As before, I loved being
there and helping those who are so very grateful and so very much in need of help of any and all kinds. My heart is once again full and many many friends have been made, with a lifetime full of joy knowing we made a difference.
Can’t wait to get back there and see all the friends that I have made on both trips once again!!!!! Regina