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Making Waves (Oct. 09) |
Waves Will Help Dental Needs of Liberia Liberia has been getting a lot of press recently about one of its natural resources that was almost a secret for so long. It's not gold, diamonds, or iron, but its surf. Last February, while in the U.S., Dr. Keith saw a TV show that he thought would enjoy what Liberia had to offer. He e-mailed the hosts of the show called On Surfari, Shayne and Shannon McIntyre, and asked them if they'd be interested in visiting Liberia. Shayne and Shannon see one of the main purposes of their show as the chance to share what people are doing around the world to help in areas of need. So over a year and a half later, Shayne and Shannon and their two children joined us for three weeks, joined by photographer Sean Brody and videographer Nic McClean. The show will feature Trinity Dental as well as Strongheart House and Robertsport Community Works. Shannon said this was one of her favorite trips she's made for the show and the whole crew was incredibly "stoked" at the footage they were able to get of the country and the waves. The show should air around January of next year. We'll keep you posted. Thanks to Sean for these great pictures. |
Help Arrives We are ecstatic to be joined by some volunteers to help share the load of providing care for Liberia. Carol Argo, dental hygienist from Delaware, U.S., and Rene Kanniga, dentist from Hamburg, Germany, will both be with us for three weeks. Both have previously worked with us in Liberia with Mercy Ships. And we are so thankful to welcome back Brenda Pigeon, who was with us for four months earlier this year, is returning as hygienist and part time administrator for 8 months! |
Two Extremes Trinity Dental Clinic produces enough funds almost every month from the tiny fees that it charges its patients to cover almost all of its monthly expenses--staff salaries, utilities, administrative fees, and minor repairs and maintenance. We see this as a small miracle, as our fees are less than $3 U.S. for an extraction or a filling, and only $30 for a root canal to save a front tooth. We produce less than a tenth of what an average dental practice in the West might in a month. But another comparison is staggering. Dr. Keith remembers while practicing in the states that the number of new patients entering his practice in a good month was 40-50, and this was pretty standard goal for a corporate group of almost 100 practices. Trinity Dental Clinic has averaged over 250 new patients a month since opening last November. This is a huge confirmation of the need in Liberia and our role here. We want to thank you for helping us fill that role by offering gifts that will contribute almost entirely to materials and equipment used to treat the Liberian people. |