2023 January - Jamaica Dental Project Report
On January 9 thru 13, 2023 our Virginia-based dental team worked in the town of Duncans, Trelawny providing free dentistry to local residents of all ages. This was a one week reboot of our ongoing Project after three years of COVID restrictions. We knew there would be changes and fortunately with assistance we were able to navigate the new bureaucratic challenges. Our hope now is to be able to do a full three week dental project later in the year.
Our clinic site in Duncans was the Seventh Day Adventist’s Campsite Building. President Pastor Karl Archer gave us permission to utilize the property and erected a large tent to protect from sun and rain those seeking treatment. The accommodations were only surpassed by the incredible generosity and desire to assist us demonstrated by the church’s staff and patrons. It was a tremendous show of support. We hope to be able to continue this relationship and work at this site for years to come.
Another first for our Project was to be able to utilize dental chairs, units, a compressor and autoclaves from the Great Shape organization via Joe Wright. He arranged for his Jamaica-based crew, led by Reyon Richards, to set up, service and break down the equipment for us. This donation was the key to allowing us to see the numbers of patients we did in the few days we had. Our appreciation is endless.
The dental team consisted of 3 oral surgeons, 3 general dentists, 2 pediatric dentists, 3 dental hygienists and an overworked dental assistant. Most were returning professionals from our prior trips which began in 1986 and have taken place annually. As we have in most all of our years we had the good fortune to be housed at Silver Sands. This is an essential piece to our being able to continue the Project. Many thanks to the management, staff and owners.
It takes numerous people in Jamaica to make this dental Project happen. Some we have known a long while. Some we have just met this trip. Their names may be recognized by those receiving this report, but most names will be unfamiliar. This is an opportunity to acknowledge so many that have aided our work.
In no particular order… THANK YOU … Dr Diahann Dale, Dr Amalya Nelson, Phyllis Hall, Courtney Cephas, Keith & Paula Russell, Angela Bartley, Steve Forrester, Paul Leachman, Prem Chadeesingh, Barrington Vernon, Trudie Webster, Sean Azan, Juliet Benian, Glenn Clydesdale, Dulcie Moody and Connie at Island Car Rental, Dennis Samuels and Chantal at Cornwall Medical Dental Supply, Everton at Everton Electronics, Grace Walker, Pastor Andre Sinclair, Pastor Carlington Hylton, Randall Duncan, Dane Rodney, Richard and Pauline at Seventh Day Adventists Campsite Building, House staff at Endless Summer Paulette, Margaret and Nigel, House staff at Buena Vista Nordia and Kelly Ann and finally to Karen Sangster.
All the Best!
Mick Pope, DDS, MA
… on behalf of Dr’s Bob Barnes, Jeff Cyr, Lou Korpics, Jo-Marie Maniwang, Dave Mueller, Tiffany Williams, Greg Zoghby, RDH’s Daria Membreno, Mara Minter, Tara Pannell, and Supply Coordinator, DA Lori Zoghby
Contact Information: EMAIL - mickpope@mac.com MOBILE - 804-901-6370
