Helping others is something any person can do any day of the week. It's also something I feel very strongly about. It's one of the main driving forces behind my decision to pursue a career in dentistry. It's not always about the job, though, nor should it be. Sometimes the way you help another person should be by giving something they can't have, something that they really need, if it is at all in your power to do so.
When I first heard about Dentistry from the Heart, I felt I'd discovered something that truly resonated with my own perspective about giving aid to others if it is at all within my capability. After seeing news clips of people who'd been given basic dental care through DFTH events and seeing how profoundly grateful they were, I realized that joining DFTH was something I absolutely had to do. After visiting the DFTH website and reading through its content, my decision was made.
It's an unfortunate fact of the world today that there are so many who can't afford medical insurance or even the most basic of dental procedures. The importance of regular oral care is obvious, and even if people are dedicated to their own dental health, there is always the chance that something will go wrong. It's in such instances that it becomes truly unfortunate, because in this age, with all the advances in technology and medicine, nobody should have to live with chronic pain if it can be addressed and remedied.
This is why I feel DFTH carries with it such a powerful message. It's an opportunity given to other practitioners like myself to take all our training, skill, and knowledge and apply it in a situation where those who can't afford dental work are given a chance. DFTH permits dentists to perform free procedures on people that are in pain and suffering and can't afford the appropriate procedures. DFTH also allows us to perform basic procedures and additionally gives us a platform from which we can educate our patients about the importance of oral health. As well, DFTH becomes a platform from which I and the other participating dentists are able to draw awareness and support to the cause.
Speaking of awareness, one of the unexpected, but definitely welcomed, side effects of working with DFTH is the deconstruction of cultural barriers within the Shreveport area. As one of the only Spanish-speaking dentists in the region, I've found that the differences in language are actually a major issue for customers and practitioners. By facilitating communications between all members of the community, stronger bonds and connections have developed within the community. We want Smile Dental Center to be able to serve as many people as possible, and if we can speak other language, that helps us accomplish that goal.
At the end of the day, the reason I so strongly advocate DFTH is that it is an embodiment of altruism. It represents in so many ways what I strive to accomplish through my work and the way I live my life. And it is through my participation with DFTH that I've been able to assist those individuals that really do need dental care more than others. Through DFTH, I and fellow dentists have had the chance to provide dental care to children that come from underprivileged backgrounds. That fact alone is what makes DFTH a resounding success in my mind. Children that are disadvantaged are still children, and they deserve all types of medical attention as much or more than other. The fact that DFTH has allowed me the opportunity to assist children in need is the reason I will continue to support it so strongly.