A few years ago God planted a seed in Doctor Jane Estes Tindol, DDS.  This seed took root and grew into a vision to change the face of dental care in Central America.  The change would be to begin a program of preventative dental care, revamping the Central American way of practicing dentistry. 

In the United States dentists are not alone in their clinics.  Dental Assistants are by the side of the dentist freeing them up for patient care by handling the instruments and taking notes, but there are few Dental Assistants in Central America.  The dentists have to clean their own instruments, take their own notes, and see fewer patients resulting in inadequate care.  In the United States we also have Dental Hygienists who clean teeth and provide education on healthy living.  In the country of Honduras there is one Dental Hygienist who began work in September.  Without these valuable people Central American Dentists are unable to provide preventative care and are left to emergency care and this only for those who can afford it. 

Dr. Estes Tindol began to dream of what Central America would be like if preventative care could be provided by Dental Hygienists and Dentists (working with Dental Assistants).  This dream led her to Honduras, the heart of Central America.  In June a 40 foot container of dental equipment and other supplies was sent from Abilene, TX, USA to Choluteca, Honduras via Global Samaritan Resources.  A team of 11 followed in August.  The team included one dentist, two hygienists, one dental assistant, and one equipment specialist. 

While in Honduras the team met with officials from two dental schools, the Baxter Institute, and the Honduran Dental Association.  These officials also desire to change the way dentistry is practiced in Honduras and were very excited about the desire to begin a training program.  They also gave invaluable advice as to the future course of action for Dr. Estes Tindol’s dream.  As the team traveled to the city of Choluteca and began to set up a dental clinic the foundation was being laid for a school that will begin by training Dental Assistants and over the next few years add Dental Hygienist and nursing training programs.   

The immediate course of action was to set-up a dental clinic with the equipment sent from Abilene.  Work began to utilize the fourteen dental chairs, sterilizing equipment, seven x-ray units, exam lights, and other dental supplies now on location at a warehouse being used by Central Church of Christ.  This began an adventurous week learning about Honduran electrical service, hardware stores, driving, and fixing everything from windows to stopping the water flowing through a hole in the wall.  The end result was a clinic with nine usable chairs and two x-ray units mounted.  In this clinic over two and a half days approximately 200 patients were treated and given short preventative lessons on dental care. 

The team also set up a community center with a computer lab, two meeting areas, and for two days a clothing distribution program.  The community center has two computers for use, books to learn basic preventative health practices and for children to enjoy, storage for the church’s use, and a coffee maker.  During the two days of clothing distribution over 1500 pieces of clothing and shoes were given to the community. 

Upon returning to the United States the team began work for planning a return to Honduras.  Part of this is the starting of Unidos Con el Mismo Amor, Inc. (United With the Same Love) a nonprofit organization designed to meet the needs of Central Americans through training programs for Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists, and nurses.  Additionally, Unidos Con el Mismo Amor will be setting up trips to Honduras to spread the Good News of Christ by spreading dental health through the nation. 

Though the dental clinic in Choluteca is up and running the building was being leased and has since been sold to another entity.  Because of this the clinic will have to relocate to another facility by June 2008.  Pray for Unidos Con el Mismo Amor to find another building suitable or for land to be able to build a suitable Community Center/Clinic/School.  There is also a great need for Dental Assistants and Hygienists to train Hondurans for these much needed professions.  If you are interested in helping with this cause, Central America, dental care, or traveling out of the country to spread the Gospel contact Unidos Con el Mismo Amor for information on how to help.