Many things are happening simultaneously at Amigos de La Cruz: a necessary building remodel (cement was falling from the ceiling and the rebar had badly rusted), ongoing Kids Club programming, led by teacher Mayra a posada for the children from the La Cruz Catholic church, evening choir practice with Puerto Vallarta Symphony conductor Aquiles Morales—and now, on top of it all, the 22nd Annual Dental Program. Due to construction, this year’s clinic will be hosted at the new (and not yet opened) La Joya Dental Clinic, located above Iguanacaxtle Restaurant at the glorieta.

Despite navigating construction, we are once again honored to partner with Ensign Academy of Dentistry (formerly the Academy of LDS Dentists). This exceptional volunteer team comes primarily from Boise, Idaho, and has also included hygienists and dentists from Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Texas.

Dr. Don Cook has recruited a dental team from the Pacific Northwest, with doctors bringing family members and staff who generously serve as dental assistants, sterilization technicians, and interpreters. Each year, local dentists from the La Cruz–Bucerías area also participates, strengthening ties with the local dental community.  This year Drs Adrian Malja, David Zetter and a member of the new La Joya dental clinic will participate in the Dental Program.

For many years, Dr. Adrián Malja has provided invaluable support by pre-screening children at the primaria (grades 1–6), supplying sterile water, assisting with needle disposal, and providing long-term or complex dental care beyond the scope of the visiting clinic.

The portable clinic will consist of four to five A-dec dental units for doctors and two hygiene units. Some equipment and supplies from the previous visit are stored near La Cruz, with additional A-dec units housed locally.

Schoolchildren from La Cruz are invited to receive free dental care. Amigos de La Cruz coordinates with the community and local schools, while children are pre-screened this year by local dentist Dr. David Zetter (from Malja’s office) and categorized by need in advance. The clinic operates Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The dentists arrive Friday, January 16, set up the clinic on Saturday, and begin treating children on Monday, January 19.

While the clinic itself is the most visible part of the program, much happens behind the scenes. DIF provides a support letter allowing dental supplies to pass through Customs; school principals from both morning and afternoon shifts grant permission for the clinic to operate; a banner is hung at the school in early January announcing the program; and Annabelle and Dunita visit every classroom to explain the clinic and the importance of signed permission slips.  The girls also throw in an incentive – a pizza party for the AM (and PM) class returning the most permission slips.

Dr. Zetter, along with Carmen, Dunita, and Annabelle, then collects the forms and works to screen each child on Jan 12-13. A small army of volunteers—led by Izzy Simon, our beloved and highly organized “front desk czar” (a title she claims to hate, but we all bow to her efficiency)—reviews triage results to prioritize children with the greatest need. Permission slips and triage are reviewed by Carmen, Denyse, Wil and others on Jan 14-15 with appointment schedules posted by Jan 15-16, then on Jan 19 volunteers like Karen transport children back and forth between school and the clinic.

Daily lunches for the dental team and volunteers are prepared by Ramón, while Judy and her friend Susan will cook a special “thank you” dinner at a local home during the week for volunteers and the dental team. And if all goes well, we may even convince new Kids Club director Abe Galeana to sing alongside a few Kids Club choir students—perhaps joined by Chris Bouchard, as they all sing in the symphonic choir with Aquiles.

On a more serious note, every effort is made to ensure each child receives a dental cleaning, toothbrush, and floss—and leaves with a healthier smile. Treatments include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and pulpotomies. As always, the children and their parents are deeply appreciative, making this program one of the most meaningful and impactful weeks of our year.

Can you tell?  We LOVE this program!