Dentists sought as Honduras volunteers

Georgetown, Texas鈥擬EDICO, the Medical, Eye & Dental International Care Organization, seeks volunteer dentists for upcoming mission trips to rural areas of Honduras Aug. 2-9 and Sept. 6-13.

“Dentists will provide oral health education, examinations, extractions and restorations during each one-week mission,” said Dr. Robert S. Gurmankin, a volunteer and co-chair of the organization’s board of regents, who will be taking his 5th MEDICO trip next week.

“I had been interested in participating in a mission like this for several years before I finally went on one,” said Dr. Gurmankin, who practices general dentistry in Philadelphia. “MEDICO is very well organized and I’ve met many wonderful people through the missions I’ve participated in. The missions have given me a chance to give something back and have re-energized my interest in my profession.”

One of MEDICO’s goals, he adds, is to expand the educational aspect of its missions, working with local health care providers and teaching residents basic health and hygiene skills.

Dr. Gurmankin’s volunteer service has turned into a family affair, he added. His wife Missy will accompany him next week, making her fourth mission trip with MEDICO and his 17-year-old son Dan will be making his third trip.

“My son has assisted me on the last two trips and will do so again this year,” said Dr. Gurmankin. “He isn’t interested in being a dentist, but he really enjoys the trips. I think we get as much out of the experience as the patients we see.”

MEDICO volunteers must have a current passport. Dental mission trips are well equipped with portable dental chairs, dental units, compressor and so on.

For details, call 1-512-930-1893, visit the Web site: www.medico.org聽or e-mail director@medico.org.

To learn about other international volunteer opportunities, contact the ADA Center for International Development & Affairs at 1-312-440-2726 or international@ada.org.