Why Guatemala?
Many communities in Guatemala face significant barriers to dental care, from limited resources to the lack of trained providers in rural areas. For countless individuals, dental pain becomes a part of daily life, and treatable conditions often go unaddressed. By traveling directly to these regions, our team can offer relief, provide education, and deliver treatments that help protect long-term oral health. Guatemala has become a place close to our hearts, filled with people whose resilience and warmth inspire us year after year.
What We Do on the Ground
During our time in Guatemala, our team sets up temporary dental clinics to provide a wide range of services based on the needs of each community. This often includes cleanings, fillings, extractions, emergency care, and patient education focused on prevention. We work long days, partner with local leaders, and treat as many patients as possible, including children, adults, and seniors who may be receiving dental care for the first time in their lives. Every smile we help restore reminds us why this mission is so important.
Building Lasting Connections
Beyond providing treatment, our annual trip gives us an opportunity to build relationships and connect with people on a deeply personal level. We spend time with local families, learn their stories, and experience their culture firsthand. These moments of connection stay with us and remind our team why compassion, humanity, and service are fundamental to the work we do. Many Guatemalan communities welcome us back each year, and it is an honor to be part of their lives in a small but meaningful way.
Education for a Healthier Future
While immediate dental care makes a difference, education forms the foundation for long-term impact. We teach proper oral hygiene habits, distribute hygiene supplies, and empower children and adults with knowledge that helps them care for their smiles year-round. These simple but powerful lessons can influence a lifetime of better oral health.
How This Mission Shapes Our Practice
Returning from Guatemala each year fills our team with renewed gratitude and perspective. The experience strengthens our commitment to compassionate dentistry and reminds us why every patient interaction, whether abroad or at home, deserves care, patience, and respect. These trips enrich our hearts, elevate our purpose, and reinforce the values that guide our practice every day.
Looking Ahead
Our Guatemala Outreach Mission is not just a yearly trip, it is an enduring part of who we are. We look forward to continuing this work, expanding our reach, and partnering with more communities in need. Through our involvement with the PJL Foundation, we are able to support ongoing humanitarian efforts and strengthen our impact year after year. As our team grows, so does our ability to serve, heal, and bring brighter smiles to people across the globe.
