My Haiti Dental Mission
Holy Family Dental Clinic – Cerca Carvajal
My first dental mission trip to Haiti in 2015 was something I had dreamed of for years—but I had no idea how deeply it would impact me. As a practicing dentist in Richmond, VA, I was eager to use my skills to help the people of Cerca Carvajal. Little did I know, this trip would challenge me in ways I never expected.
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After a quick meeting with our Haitian dentist, Dr. Tony, I was ready to begin work. The next morning, I walked into the clinic with excitement—only to feel an immediate wave of shock. The conditions were nothing like what I was used to in my pristine, well-equipped American office.
Even after practicing in India for four years before coming to the U.S., I had never seen anything quite like this. But one thing was clear—the need was overwhelming.
A Dream Cut Short
My first patient was a handsome teenager with a heartbreaking story.
He had dreamed of joining the police force, but was rejected after failing his medical exam—all because of severe dental decay that had cost him four front teeth.
In the U.S., I could have easily fixed his smile with implants, a bridge, or a partial denture. But here in Haiti, those options weren’t available. I felt helpless.
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Sensing my frustration, Dr. Tony patted me on the back and said, "Don’t feel bad. He’s actually one of the better cases you’ll see today."
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He wasn’t joking.
A Tough Reality
As a charity clinic, we focused mainly on cleanings, fluoride applications, and necessary extractions.
There was no fancy equipment, no high-tech procedures, and no way to save teeth that would have been salvageable elsewhere. Instead of restoring smiles, I spent my days removing pain—one extraction at a time.
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When I left Haiti, my heart was heavy. The experience changed the way I viewed dentistry. Back in my Richmond office, I couldn’t shake the thought of how much more we could do.
Haiti didn’t just need volunteers—they needed a better clinic, more resources, and proper equipment.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Determined to help, I donated a brand-new dental chair for the clinic and had Dr. Tony purchase it in Port-au-Prince. Seeing pictures of that chair in the clinic felt like a small but meaningful victory.
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Then, four months later, I got a devastating message. A fire had broken out in the clinic, and the new chair was badly damaged. My heart sank. That chair meant more to me than any piece of equipment in my own office.
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Hoping for a miracle, I asked Dr. Tony to check the warranty. Turns out, Haiti warranties aren’t quite like American ones. The chair was technically still usable, but all its electrical functions were fried. It was a tough blow, but I wasn’t giving up.
I returned to Haiti for two more mission trips in 2016 and 2018
While I was able to offer exams, cleanings, and extractions, it still wasn’t enough. My dream is to build a fully equipped dental clinic in Cerca Carvajal—one that can provide comprehensive care, restore smiles, and keep dreams alive.
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Our clinic is the only dental facility in the entire town, serving a population of 40,000 people.
That’s one dentist for an entire small city. Haiti’s people are kind, humble, and resilient. They deserve more than just the basics—they deserve the best we can give.
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I truly believe that God will provide a way to improve this clinic and transform dental care in Haiti. No teenager should have to give up their dream because of something as preventable as tooth decay.
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I don’t know exactly how we’ll get there, but one thing is certain: I won’t stop until we do.
Making a Difference, One Smile at a Time
When you choose to work with me, you’re not just selling your dental practice — you’re joining a mission to make dental care accessible to those who need it most.
I proudly donate 20% of my commission to initiatives that uplift and improve dental health in underserved communities around the world.
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My long-term goal is to reach people who have never had the chance to visit a dentist — to bring relief, restore dignity, and create healthy smiles where they’ve never existed before.
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Your sale has power. Together, we can create a ripple effect of good that goes far beyond the dental chair.
