Technician Has 'Chance of a Lifetime' Experience On South Pacific Dental Mission

"This trip will hold a special place in my heart as one of those chance-of-a-lifetime experiences," says Liz Lake, CDT, a staff member at Midwestern University (MWU) College of Dental Medicine, Glendale, AZ, who recently returned from a dental mission on the South Pacific island of Tonga.

The Kingdom of Tonga is made up of more than 100 islands, many without electricity or running water, and a large portion of the population is farmers who don't have the money for regular dental care. "The need is great, and I would estimate that 80% of the people I saw on the island are missing at least one anterior tooth," says Lake, noting that one of the island's biggest exports—sugarcane—is often given to children as a treat. "Many of the patients were youngsters with teeth that are almost completely broken down with decay, which is likely the direct result of sucking on sugarcane. Generally, the only treatment is to extract the teeth."

In addition to Lake, four dentists...