12 January 2023

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Aspen Dental provides free care, education to over 1,140 patients in Akumal, Mexico

Katherine E. Pfaff

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As part of Aspen Dental's Overseas Outreach program and Global Dental Relief, a group of 15 Aspen Dental independent practitioners delivered free dental care in late 2022 to more than 1,140 patients in Akumal, Mexico. 

During the week-long event, volunteers provided 501 cleanings, 521 fluoride treatments and 63 extractions for patients. Children made up roughly 40% of the patients served during the trip, according to a news release. In addition to treating patients' immediate needs, doctors and dental staff also provided oral hygiene lessons to almost 600 children to educate them on dental hygiene with the goal of improving the community's oral health for years to come.

Dr. Lauren McDonough, DMD, and vice president of practice owner development at Aspen Dental said there's so much love in the community the team visited. People truly don't have the same access to care that we do in the U.S., so being able to be a part of this and to treat their cavities and their disease is special, she said in the news release. 

McDonough plays a key role in planning these outreach trips. 

"We really brought together a great group of doctors, hygienists, office managers, dental assistants and more,” she said in the news release. “This group was so cohesive — not caring what their position was, just there for the mission and to bring better care to the kids in Akumal."

Haidee Aguiniga, a lead dental assistant at Aspen Dental, said that her family is from Mexico and the trip was important to her given her roots. 

"I wanted to be able to travel and make a difference, and that was the main reason why I was so excited to go on this trip,” she said. “I wouldn't have had this opportunity to serve in Mexico without being part of the Aspen Dental team and am grateful that these types of outreach programs exist for us to participate in."