Locals provide dental care for 170 people in Dominican Republic

The Yazdani Family Dentistry team is back from its mission trip. A total of 7 people – 4 dentists and 3 hygienists – travelled to La Romana in the Dominican Republic back in May. The team helped over 170 people by doing extractions and providing emergency dental care. 

Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani says the team worked in a hospital that serves the underprivileged and Haitian population. He noted the team also took a mobile dental unit to the bateyes, which are sugar camps.

Yazdani says working conditions are very poor and the Haitian workers have no access to medical care. Before heading home, the team helped out at a school in a barrio, which is an impoverished neighbourhood. 

He noted it was an experience that gave the team a lot of gratitude for what they have, but also a desire to put more time and effort into serving others. 

This was the first time the Yazdani team went on a mission trip, but it won’t be the last. Yazdani says he’s committed to doing one per year and hopefully two annually down the road. He noted he will continue to pay for everyone’s flights, but each team member is responsible for additional costs such as food and accommodations. 

Yazdani says the long-term goal is to provide $500,000 of free dentistry per year. The Free Day of Dentistry and $20,000 Smile Giveaway are coming up in the fall.