Fifteen independent Aspen Dental practitioners ran a free dental clinic for a week in November with the goal of removing barriers to care worldwide
CHICAGO, November 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — In partnership with Aspen Dental’s Overseas Outreach Program and Global Dental Relief, a team of 15 Aspen Dental independent practitioners traveled to Akumal, Mexico to provide free dental care to over 1,140 area patients over the course of a week. Aspen Dental’s Overseas Outreach Program brings a team of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and lab technicians to countries in need of free dental care. The program has been active for more than five years and has served communities in Guatemala, Argentine and Mexicoamong others.
In partnership with Global Dental Relief, 15 independent Aspen Dental doctors provided free dental care to more than 1,140 patients in Akumal, Mexico over the course of a week. Aspen Dental’s Overseas Outreach Program has been active for more than five years and has served many communities in need. The goal of the Overseas Outreach program is not only to provide much-needed dental care to an underserved community, but also to improve the community’s oral health for years to come. The success of this journey is based on the continued impact of Aspen Dental’s Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-led initiative to expand access to dental care for those who need it most.
The goal of the Overseas Outreach program served by the Aspen Dental network is not only to provide much-needed dental care to an underserved community, but also to improve the community’s oral health for years to come. The success of this journey is based on the continued impact of Aspen Dental’s Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-led initiative to expand access to dental care for those who need it most. (Image credit: Deanna Dent for Aspen Dental)
In partnership with Global Dental Relief, 15 independent Aspen Dental doctors provided free dental care to more than 1,140 patients in Akumal, Mexico over the course of a week. Aspen Dental’s Overseas Outreach Program has been active for more than five years and has served many communities in need. (Image credit: Deanna Dent for The Aspen Group)
During the week, Aspen Dental’s team of 15 independent doctors provided 501 cleanings, 521 fluoride treatments and 63 extractions. All of this was free, including providing oral hygiene lessons to nearly 600 local children to educate them about dental hygiene. (Image credit: Deanna Dent for Aspen Dental)
15 doctors, hygienists, dental assistants and others from the Aspen Dental network partnered with Global Dental Relief for the 2022 Overseas Outreach Program in Akumal, Mexico. Aspen Dental practitioners volunteered their time, energy and efforts in service to the local community in November 2022. (Image credit: Deanna Dent for Aspen Dental)
While in Akumal, the team provided 501 cleanings, 521 fluoride treatments and 63 extractions, all free of charge. Children accounted for approximately 40% of the patients served during the trip. In addition to treating the immediate needs of patients, the doctors and dental staff also provided oral hygiene lessons to nearly 600 children to educate them on dental hygiene, with the goal of improving the community’s oral health for years to come.
“These kids are so cheerful and having so much fun and there is so much love in the community here. The problem is that they really don’t have the same access to care here as we do in the US, so they can be a part of it. about it and to teach them and treat their cavities and their disease is really special,” said Lauren McDonough, DMD, vice president, practice owner development, Aspen Dental, who plays an important role in planning these information tours. “We have really assembled a great group of doctors, hygienists, practice managers, dental assistants and more. This group was so cohesive – they don’t care about their position, just there for the mission and to provide better care for the children in Akumal.”
“My whole family is from Mexicoso I think it’s really important to give back to everybody, but especially where you’re from,” he said Haidee Aguiniga, senior dental assistant at Aspen Dental. “I wanted to be able to travel and make a difference and that was the main reason I was so excited to go on this trip. I would not have had this opportunity to serve in the Mexico without being a part of the Aspen Dental team and I am grateful that there are these types of outreach programs that we can participate in.”
The success of this journey is based on the continued impact of Aspen’s Healthy Mouth Movement (HMM), a community giving initiative launched in 2014 to provide free dental care to those who need it most. Since the launch of HMM, dentists and their teams at Aspen Dental-branded practices have donated over 26 million dollars in dental services for over 33,000 people in need worldwide. Meeting the unique needs of underserved communities is an essential part of Aspen Dental’s mission. The Aspen Dental network includes more than 1,000 independent practitioners, and as the network of offices expands, Aspen Dental continues to make strides in ensuring access to quality, affordable dental care for all who need it.
Aspen Dental’s Overseas Outreach Program provides opportunities for professionals in the Aspen Dental network to travel the world while developing their skills and serving those most in need of dental care. The Overseas Outreach Program is just one of the many development opportunities Aspen Dental offers to employees. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental and view open positions, please visit https://careers.aspendental.com/us/en.
About Aspen Dental Practices
Aspen Dental Management, Inc. was founded in 1998 in New York by Bob Fontana with a simple goal in mind: to break down the barriers doctors and patients face when it comes to dental care. Today, more than 20 years later, with more than 1,000 Aspen Dental brand locations nationwide, the company’s mission remains the same – to provide better care for more people. Aspen Dental is the largest group of branded dental practices in the world. For more information, visit aspendental.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
SOURCE Aspen Dental
