285 Dental Patients Benefitted the Process
By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – Trinity Dental Care Clinic, a ministry of Serving in Mission (SIM), successfully concluded a four-day dental outreach in Harper, Maryland County. The outreach, which was conducted in partnership with the JJ Dossen Memorial Hospital ran from November 18 to November 22, provided dental care to underserved communities in one of Liberia’s most remote areas.
The clinic’s nine-member dental team, led by Dr. Simon Stretton-Downes OBE, treated 285 patients and performed a remarkable 635 tooth extractions, including two sedations and three surgical procedures. The team worked tirelessly delivering essential dental services to people who otherwise have limited access to care.
“Our mission is not only to provide dental treatment, but it is also to offer hope and support to communities in need,” said Dr. Stretton-Downes, the Principal Dentist at Trinity Dental Clinic.
Dr. Stretton-Downes furthered, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the JJ Dossen Memorial Hospital to serve the people of Harper District. The positive impact we’ve seen over these four days is truly humbling.”
Addressing Liberia’s Dental Health Crisis
Trinity Dental Clinic is part of SIM, an international, interdenominational Christian mission organization committed to providing healthcare and training in underserved communities.
The clinic, established in 2008, operates as a not-for-profit entity, offering affordable dental care to those who cannot afford it.
Despite the challenges, the clinic continues to make a significant difference in the community. Dr. Stretton-Downes emphasized the critical need for dental professionals in Liberia, which has only around seven dentists serving a population of over 5.5 million people.
Most of the country’s dental services are concentrated in just three of its fifteen counties, with many rural areas lacking access entirely.
“We’re filling a vital gap,” said Dr. Stretton-Downes. “Liberia is one of the few countries without any dental training facilities.
This outreach is part of a broader mission to not only provide care but also to train future dental professionals.
We had 15 students in training, with the first group of seven graduated in June 2024. A second group of eight started their studies in October 2023 and will graduate in 2025.”
Expanding Access and Outreach
In addition to its work in the clinic, Trinity Dental Clinic broadcasts dental health information every Wednesday at 1:30 PM on ELWA Radio (94.5 FM), further expanding its outreach.
The clinic also periodically conducts similar dental outreaches in rural communities, bringing vital care to the doorstep of those who would otherwise go without.
“We aim to not only treat patients but also to educate communities about the importance of dental hygiene,” said Dr. Stretton-Downes. “We hope that these outreach programs inspire long-term improvements in oral health across Liberia.”
The clinic’s success, however, is not without its challenges. While patient fees help cover the day-to-day running of the clinic, the funds generated are insufficient to support the ongoing training of dental therapists and the operational costs of the clinic and training center.
Dr. Stretton-Downes emphasized the need for additional financial support, particularly through cash donations, to sustain these vital services.
Praises from the Local Community
The residents of Harper, a hard-to-reach area due to poor road infrastructure, expressed their immense gratitude to the dental team.
Many described the team as a “rescue team,” highlighting the vital role Trinity Dental Clinic plays in providing much-needed healthcare in the region.
“We have been suffering with dental problems for so long, and we couldn’t reach any clinic because of the roads. Having this team come to us was a huge relief. We are so thankful for their work.” James B. Seaton, local resident shared.
Looking Ahead
The outreach in Harper is just one of many initiatives led by Trinity Dental Clinic to improve dental care in Liberia.
With continued support, both in terms of financial donations and volunteer efforts, the clinic aims to expand its outreach programs and further its mission of providing quality dental care and training to underserved communities.
Trinity Dental Clinic is a not-for-profit clinic located in Liberia, part of the international Christian charity Serving in Mission (SIM).
Since its establishment in 2008, the clinic has provided essential dental services to underserved populations in Liberia.
The clinic also operates a dental therapist training program to address the acute shortage of dental professionals in the country.
Visited 2 times, 2 visit(s) today
