Working In and Out of the Clinic

   Dr. Phil begins the day at the clinic at 8:30 AM, and he usually sees anywhere between 8-10 patients a day. Some of his patients have to wake up at 3:00 AM to walk to the clinic in order to receive treatment. It sometimes takes the patients two hours to walk to the clinic. Some patients even wait the entire day at the clinic just to be seen. The cost of a typical extraction is about $10 here. With that same amount of money, people can feed their families for two weeks. Phil is giving them free dental care so that they can feel better and so that they don't have to spend the income used for their basic needs. Most of the patients cannot afford dental care. They suffer with different toothaches, infections, broken teeth, and periodontal disease, but they are unable to treat their condition due to lack of funds. Therefore, patients feel very privileged and grateful for all the dental care they receive from the clinic.

Phil goes on outreaches whenever there is a team that arrives from the U.S. The outreaches are usually a week long. They take bus rides to different towns which could be as long as 1 or 2 hour trips, and they stay there all day to see as many patients as possible. Each patient seen receives spiritual counseling and a chance to receive the gospel of Jesus. These outreaches have been very successful with increasing church attendance in that area and makes a huge difference in the community.

Patients waiting for their turn at the clinic

One of the many patients about to receive dental care.

Me and Phil

A happy 5-year old girl

Mauricio is training to be a missionary and plans to go to India
and other countries. Now he knows how to take better care of his teeth.

This young boy was so brave when we had to take out a tooth with a very large cavity. 
If it was not treated, it could be very serious for his health.

Getting the trucks ready to go to a mobile location. We all rode
standing in the back of the pick up truck. The ride home was
interesting with heavy rain and no umbrella!

Phil, Pastor Julio, Dr. Josue at Pastor Julio's church. He was so grateful
that we came because he knows it makes a significant difference in the
community and his church.