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.