IS THIS PROGRAM RECOGNIZED?


It all depends on the local authorities where you will practice and how you approach them.


We have kept our program as medically non-invasive as possible to reduce the resistance to our program by foreign health authorities. We ask all our candidates to check with the local officials of their area to confirm that they will be permitted to provide basic dental care. A letter written specifically for foreign health officials is available explaining how our medically non-invasive dental program can benefit needy communities.

Our students confer all cases beyond their training and knowledge to local health and dental providers. They must be committed to do all they can to transport their patients to these providers. This is all made very clear in our letter to foreign health officials.

We strongly encourage our students to establish relationships with national dental and medical care providers. Patients can then be referred to these for more complicated treatment. Patients can either be brought to them, or they brought to the village where they can care for a number of patients. The act of love performed by the missionary in bringing patients out or a dentist to the village will be greatly appreciated by the people. It will be seen as a further expression of his/her love and concern. Furthermore, greater respect among the local officials and health providers will result. The missionary will be perceived as a team player; one who appreciates their services and knows his/her limits. This attitude will go far in opening doors for the missionary to practice his/her dental skills.

Having worked in Asia and Africa, we understand how flexible local government officials can be, and how easily medical and dental services can be provided by people with very little training.