I love that I can use dentistry to serve others. Thus, when I have the opportunity to provide dentistry as a mission, I jump at the chance.
Since I truly love what I do, it is a joy (rather than work) to volunteer my time and resources to help others using dentistry. It is amazing to see what a better smile does for a person.
Thankfully, I have very good ways to give back in our dental office, in Rock Hill, and abroad.
In 2023, I have had three unique opportunities to serve others through dentistry. This included trips to Nicaragua and Costa Rica and at the York County Free Clinic in Rock Hill.
Click to hear about missions (2 minutes) and read below.
Nicaragua
Earlier this year, February 11-18, I went to Nicaragua with a team from Global Health Outreach (GHO) a branch of Christian Medical and Dental Association. This trip was a combined medical-dental service opportunity. Also, medical personnel out of Nicaragua joined our mission group.
Mission Trip Experience
The American team included 3 dentists, a hygienist, a physician, 4 nurses, 1 physician’s assistant, 2 physical therapists, and a pastor. Each person used his or her unique skills to serve others.
We flew from cities across America into Managua (Nicaragua’s capitol city). Then we bused 5 hours into the countryside to a small farming community, Nueva Guinea.
The dental clinic conditions weren’t exactly ideal. We had 6 operators working out of a tiny, old schoolroom. Even better, we had to trudge through a mudfield to reach the clinic.
All that being said, my four days of clinic were deeply enriching.
I treated ~60 patients, placed about ~150 fillings, and pulled a few dozen teeth. A local Nicaraguan, Antonio, served as my translator and dental assistant. (My dental Spanish is getting better, but I still need help sometimes.)
I spent the week working with a local Nicaraguan. Antonio served as my interpreter and assistant. He even tried to teach me some dental Spanish. I could not have helped as many patients without his aid.
Dr. Will Cranford
What I Learned
Serving in Nicaragua opened my eyes to the hardships others endure. Their living conditions humbled me as I considered the their lives compared to mine in America.
On the dental side, many Nicaraguans had a lack of dental education and little or no access to dental care. Additionally, their diet was heavy with sodas high in sugar, which led to rampant decay.
And on the living side, entire multi-generational families lived in tiny shacks with no running water (but they all had satellite dishes on the roof.)
Often, in America we take our health and comforts for granted. In fact, we expect to be comfortable and cared for.
The Nicaraguan people were happy and extremely grateful for the care we were able to provide. Understandably, they taught me gratitude and appreciation.
New smiles in Nicaragua and Costa Rica
Costa Rica
I spent May 6 – 13 serving in Costa Rica with Dental Community Fellowship.
Dr. Bill Sasser founded Dental Community Fellowship after retiring from private practice as a periodontist. This organization works with students at MUSC College of Dental Medicine, encouraging Christian fellowship and service. In addition, DCF takes students on 6 short term mission trips each year.
Mission Trip Experience
On this trip, we traveled to Costa Rica with Dr. Bill to serve people in the slums of San Jose.
My primary role was to help teach the dental students as they treated the patients. The team consisted of a recent dental school graduate (me), four 2nd year students, three 3rd year students, one 4th year and student who would graduate in May. Dr. Sasser and his wife, Sussa Lee, led the group.
This trip was a completely different experience than the Nicaragua trip. While I did treat a fair amount of patient’s myself, my main job was to serve the students on the trip.
The dental students were eager to learn and happy to serve. I enjoyed working with them each day. Thank you, Dental Community Fellowship and MUSC.
Dr. Will Cranford
For some perspective, in dental school, students begin treating patients in their 3rd year. Until that trip, the 3rd years had only done procedures on a simulated mouth. I enjoyed working with these students and seeing how quickly they grew as clinicians between their first (extremely nervous) filling and the last day.
Our group partnered with a church in San Jose, For the City. A local church that serves the community shared their building and worked with us. We treated patients for four full days, serving the refugee community on the outskirts of San Jose.
Also, we spent a day in one of the local neighborhoods and a night feeding the homeless in downtown San Jose.
What I Learned
I had a wonderful time getting to know the MUSC dental students. And they enjoyed increasing their dental skills as they served the locals of San Jose. Understandably, I look forward to seeing how they grow as dentists and hopefully dental servants.
As in prior trips, my main reward was giving the local people a new smile and seeing their joy and appreciation. And of course I enjoyed showing love through service.
Dental Community Fellowship shares dental care and Christian love as they serve others. The smiles in this photo show the joy we all received as we worked together with the local people of Costa Rica.
York Country Partners in Free Dentistry
Missions and service start at home. I firmly believe that if we want to put good out into the world we need to start in our own backyard.
Thankfully, in the Rock Hill area there are great organizations providing dental care for those less fortunate. Dr. Debra Peeples runs York County Partners in Free Dentistry. She and her husband, Dr. Al Peeples, screen individuals in Rock Hill for both financial and dental need.
Then, they assign the patients to local dentists who have volunteered to serve.
Mission Experience Rock Hill
Our dentists in Rock Hill, Dr. Elizabeth, Dr. Bill, and myself, are privileged to treat York County Partners in Free Dentistry patients each month.
Dr. Debra Peeples directs local dentists to care for those in need in a very organized and professional way. Thanks to Dr. Bill Cranford for his long time example of giving back.
For the most part, these patients are people who are trying to get their life back on track after hardship. Sadly, some haven’t seen a dentist in 20 years.
We work to perform extractions, fillings, and sometimes crowns. Another big part of treating these patients is providing them with instruction on caring for their teeth and gums. Afterwards, these patients are seen at another local office for completion of their restorative needs and hygiene visits.
Learning Through Serving Rock Hill
I have loved working with residents of my local community. My lesson: very nice and good people go through hard times and need help.
Fixing a smile can be a first step to other life and health improvements. And showing love and encouragement will often help people who are down on their luck.
Thank you to Dr. Debra Peeples and Dr. Al Peeples for giving me this opportunity.
Conclusion
I realize that I am not changing the world by doing a few fillings and taking out some teeth. However, I am helping those who I am called to serve.
Hopefully, my love and concern will encourage and comfort those in need. And perhaps this will lead to other life improvements, possibly led by other servants.
Some great servants have inspired me to better myself and the world. For example, Dr. Bill and his Dental Community Fellowship organization and Debra Peeples through York County Partners in Free Dentistry have truly encouraged me to use my gifts to improve the lives of those in need.
One day in the future, I would like to inspire a young dentist or other professional to give back through service. As I learned, we receive as much reward as those who we help.
Visit our dental office in Rock Hill if you want to discuss the rewards of dental mission trips. Who knows—I may be able to talk you into joining me next time. Or, into volunteering in our local dental mission.
Contact Cranford Dental to schedule a visit or call 803-324-7670. We are at 1721 Ebenezer Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Superb! This is such a blessing to me. It is amazing to read about these mission trips. Thank You Jesus for inspiring Dr. Will Cranford to minister to others in need. God bless you Will!
Thanks so much! The person who goes always receives the biggest blessing! Thankful to have the opportunity to serve abroad and at home in Rock Hill.