Dominican Republic - Dental Mission Trip
Donation protected
Hello Friends,
As I get older, my idea of a great birthday is zero fanfare- I actually prefer a quiet dinner at home with Les and the boys over a big celebration. But this year on my birthday, I felt compelled to share a
cause that I am passionate about.
Last year Bryce and I participated in an incredible dental mission trip to the Dominican Republic organized by Dr. Frank Serio. Simply put, the trip was life-changing for both of us. In one week, our group of dentists, dental specialists, dental students, hygienists, and dental team
members provided over $200,000 in dental services. On June 28th we’ll be going again, and it will be the organization’s 38th year.
The depth of poverty that we witnessed was something neither Bryce nor I was prepared for, but we were moved by the gratitude and joy expressed by these beautiful people. Families of five would pull
up on a single motor scooter, some hitched rides in the back of tomato trucks, and some walked for days to get cleanings, extractions, fillings as well as partial and full dentures.
While dental companies generously donated many of the supplies needed to provide these services, full denture templates are not donated but discounted by 50% to $110 per arch.
This year our goal is to fabricate at least 150 dentures for people that desperately need them in the Dominican Republic. This would allow people to smile, eat without pain, and gain the confidence that
they deserve- for some people, for the first time in their lives. But that comes with a $15,000 price tag.
So, this year for my birthday, if you can find it in your heart to donate to a cause that directly changes the lives of the less fortunate in a tangible way, I’d be grateful! Any amount will help.
Much love to you all,
Mark
As I get older, my idea of a great birthday is zero fanfare- I actually prefer a quiet dinner at home with Les and the boys over a big celebration. But this year on my birthday, I felt compelled to share a
cause that I am passionate about.
Last year Bryce and I participated in an incredible dental mission trip to the Dominican Republic organized by Dr. Frank Serio. Simply put, the trip was life-changing for both of us. In one week, our group of dentists, dental specialists, dental students, hygienists, and dental team
members provided over $200,000 in dental services. On June 28th we’ll be going again, and it will be the organization’s 38th year.
The depth of poverty that we witnessed was something neither Bryce nor I was prepared for, but we were moved by the gratitude and joy expressed by these beautiful people. Families of five would pull
up on a single motor scooter, some hitched rides in the back of tomato trucks, and some walked for days to get cleanings, extractions, fillings as well as partial and full dentures.
While dental companies generously donated many of the supplies needed to provide these services, full denture templates are not donated but discounted by 50% to $110 per arch.
This year our goal is to fabricate at least 150 dentures for people that desperately need them in the Dominican Republic. This would allow people to smile, eat without pain, and gain the confidence that
they deserve- for some people, for the first time in their lives. But that comes with a $15,000 price tag.
So, this year for my birthday, if you can find it in your heart to donate to a cause that directly changes the lives of the less fortunate in a tangible way, I’d be grateful! Any amount will help.
Much love to you all,
Mark
Organizer
Mark Costes
Organizer
Prescott, AZ
