Central Park Dental Clinic’s Dr. Roger Chan recently proudly joined a dedicated team of volunteers on a mission to provide essential dental care to those in desperate need. This spring, he travelled to Jocotán and Camotán in the Chiquimula region of eastern Guatemala. These are two impoverished communities with little to no access to dental services.
Serving a Community in Critical Need
With a combined population of over 130,000, the Jocotán/Camotán region faces significant healthcare challenges. The area is remote, extremely arid, and without a municipal water system. Most residents regularly consume sugary soft drinks, fruit beverages, and coffee for hydration—an unfortunate necessity that contributes heavily to dental decay. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that, in the area, toothbrushes are rare, dental floss is virtually nonexistent, and there are no permanent dentists.
A single part-time dentist recently relocated to a nearby town for better opportunities, leaving thousands without care. That’s where mission groups, like the one organized by Kindness in Action and the Vancouver District Dental Society, step in, working with local hosts to set up temporary clinics on donated land.
The Mission Experience: Focusing on a Greater Purpose
Dr. Chan’s mission work reflects a deep commitment to dental care beyond the walls of our Burnaby clinic. By volunteering his time and expertise, he helps bridge a gap in global oral health and make a difference, one smile at a time!
Each mission requires months of preparation. Volunteers—including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and support staff—secure medical insurance, vaccinations, and supplies. After flying into Guatemala City, the team travels 4–5 hours by road to their hotel in Chiquimula. From there, they commute daily to the clinic, working long hours to provide essential services that would otherwise be inaccessible, like dental extractions, fillings, cleanings, and oral exams.
The team operates for several days, treating dozens of patients each day, with a particular focus on children and the most vulnerable. Their efforts bring immediate relief, restore confidence, and create a lasting impact.
Compassionate and Effective Dentistry in Burnaby, BC
If you’re in Burnaby and want to learn more about how Dr. Roger Chan’s mission work inspires an unwavering dedication to providing accessible, effective, and compassionate dental care here at home, contact Central Park Dental Clinic today to schedule a consultation!