Lakeway and Austin Dentist, Dr Tejas Patel returned from a week long Dental Mission Trip to Peru. Dr Patel says the following about his experience volunteering in Peru, " It was truly amazing, we got to help out so many people. The people were so great and welcoming! I'm looking forward to the next time!" Dr Patel travelled with Kindess in Action a Canadian based non profit organization that sets up Dental Clinics in Central and South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. There were 6 total Dentists, 2 Dental Hygienists and a team of 18 others who volunteered during the Peru Trip. The team set up a free Dental Clinic in Yuquay, a small town in the Sacred Valley. The closest bg city is Cusco, which is an hour away by bus. The team worked 4 and a half days and saw around 400 patients, including children and adults. They were able to do hundreds of fillings and extractions and cleanings. The population doesn't have access to dental care so this is often the most care they've ever receive. Dr Patel says, " the great thing about the trip was that we did many more fillings than extractions which translates into, we were able to save many more teeth than normal that would have otherwise have been pulled." Dr Patel was the only American on the trip and was joined by an all Canadian team. Third world dentistry and Giving Back are two of Dr Patel's passions and he says," I'm so fortunate to have had such an amazing opportunity and experience to give back internationally!" Dr Patel enjoys the Spanish Language, it was even his major in college. The trip also gave him the opportunity to brush up on his Spanish skills. Dr Patel gives back locally as well by volunteering in a Rotary Dental Clinic in Marble Falls and will soon be volunteering at a local Lakeway Dental Clinic associated with the Lakeway Church. Check out Lakeway and Austin Dentist, Tejas Patel, DDS on Facebook to see the entire photo album of the Peru Dental Mission Trip!
