Improving Lives by Saving Teeth
More than 100 teeth have been saved with root canal treatment, thanks to volunteer endodontists and endodontic residents who have provided free treatment to patients in need in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Three trips conducted over the past year are part of the Foundation for Endodontics' Outreach Program, a new initiative to provide patients with the highest standard of care and access to treatment to save teeth that might otherwise be extracted.
"A lost tooth has serious emotional, social and physical consequences," said Foundation for Endodontics President Dr. Peter A. Morgan. "The opportunity to preserve a tooth with root canal treatment often isn't an option for patients who have limited access to care. Our teams are honored to be there to relieve pain, save teeth, save smiles and improve lives."
Foundation volunteers Dr. Fiza Singh of Boston, Dr. Juheon Seung, a resident at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Eduardo A. Cruz, a resident at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, recently returned from their charitable care trip to Jamaica. The volunteers are working in Treasure Beach's Helping Hand Clinic, a church that has been converted into a dental clinic. The teams of endodontists work under the guidance of Drs. William Griffin and James Carney who have a long-standing association with the facility. In addition to providing treatment, the volunteers are educating patients about the benefit of saving their teeth and working side-by-side with general dentists and predoctoral students from the United States, thereby enhancing their understanding of the endodontic specialty.
"It is very emotional. I am thrilled with what we are doing," said volunteer Dr. Daniella S. Peinado, an endodontist in Jacksonville, Florida, and a Foundation for Endodontics Trustee. "The excitement and commitment of this team is something really amazing, and the patients are so grateful that we're able to save their teeth."
Seiler Microscope and Manufacturing Co., Inc., Brasseler USA and Patterson Dental Supply contributed instruments to enable the Foundation's teams to provide quality care.
The Foundation budgeted for four international outreach trips in 2017. These funds will cover the cost for two residents and one endodontic mentor to travel to and stay in Jamaica as well as a license to practice in the country, med-vac insurance and other precautionary measures. The Foundation hopes to grow this initiative and provide a wider array of opportunities and international destinations.
###
About the Foundation for Endodontics
The mission of the Foundation for Endodontics is to support endodontics by providing resources and funding for research, education, public awareness and access to care. The Foundation for Endodontics supports saving natural teeth for all through the efforts of endodontic specialists. For information about the Foundation for Endodontics, please visit aae.org/foundation.