KRB Update #2125: August 3, 2008

Are you excited to go to the dentist? The normal answer for most would be ‘no', but for most of you reading this update you have the option to go to the dentist for normal check ups and for care as needed. I have known many great dentists, including Dr. Bud, Dr. Denny, Dr. Marcia, Dr. Keith and many others who have joined with Mercy Ships in caring for those who do not have that availability. Here in Liberia, West Africa, a nation of almost 3.5 million people, there are only five dentists in the entire nation, which includes two former crew members of Mercy Ships. Dental care has been a regular service provided to the people of the nations we visit.

Currently our dental team is set up just 5 km down the road in New Kru Town at Redemption Hospital, currently being operated by MSF Belgium. They have provided a large room we use for treatment and sterilization. Patients line up early in the morning to be pre-screened by the team when they arrive - first priority is given to the old, young and those exhibiting signs of urgent dental need. All services are offered free of charge. My friend Joyce from Jamaica is the receptionist. Another friend Jannette from Sierra Leone is our counselor there along with a local pastor who are available to the patients and family members as they wait for service -for many, there is a great amount of fear. The team anticipates being able to take care for over 6,000 people with restorations, extractions, and other procedures this year. All who come also receive dental hygiene lessons on how to care for their teeth. In addition to the individual care, Mercy Ships strives to be able to enhance the local infrastructure and so our dental team is working with three Liberian individuals and training them to be dental sterilizer, dental assistant and dental hygienist. This investment in their lives will benefit them, their families, but also this entire nation.

Another dentist has also made herself available to visit some of the orphanages and prescreen the children, teens and staff there. Last week, we hosted her at Victorious Faith Ministries Refugee Home and this coming Saturday she will come with me to Liberia Children Rescue Education Foundation Orphanage - for the children and teens there this will be their first time to see a dentist.

Serving Together,

Keith

Mail: Keith R. Brinkman, Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 2020, Lindale, TX  75771

Web Site: http://www.keithbrinkman.com/ 

Email: keith.brinkman@mercyships.org