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We just got back from another successful trip to Independencia.
Medical, dental, optometry and pharmacy care were given free of
charge for the poor and the sick. As part of a great team of
volunteers, the dental clinic provided over $11,500 in free services.
Heading the team were Rich Kofron of Henry Schein, and Vu Le, DDS of
Foothill Ranch. Our invaluable dental team were provided by:
- Jeff Barrera, DDS (RSM) and his awesome assistants, Gayle and
Lishar. Gayle's husband, David, was invaluable as our translator.
- Oral Surgeon Sharo Fatehi, DDS, MD, (Laguna Niguel) and his assistant, Julie.
- Debora (Dr. Le's office) and her friend Valeria held the fort in
the front office (which consisted of a patio, fold out tables and
benches)
- Peter Schmrcek, DDS (Newport Beach), and his wonderful office
manager, Valerie, who came out of dental assistant retirement for the
day's work
- Ellen Panero, RDH and her husband Bob
35 patients were given 35 exams, 11 cleanings, 21 extractions,
2 pulpotomies (baby root canals), and at least 20 fillings--all
composite, not silver amalgam. We had consistent power in our
equipment, thanks to a new gas powered compressor (basically a beefed
up version of the one in your garage) and a new cooling system for the
vacuum pump (a bolt-on beach umbrella that provided shade for the motor)
This
is a monumental feat, and by all accounts the smoothest and best
flowing dental trip ever. And here's the good news: we still have
even more room for improvement here. On the way back, a few
simple adjustments were discussed that could improve our productivity
even more.
Thanks are also due to Latrice, Alan, Thom, Hugh,
Joey, and all the rest of the Health Care Ministry team who put untold
hours and money into making this trip happen.
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Our Office 
(949) 600-7777
