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Summary of Service Projects
San Marcos School of Dentistry
Lima, Peru

Since Gordon Christensen first organized it in 1977, the Academy of LDS Dentists has been an organization of dental professionals dedicated to serving mankind. Their original mission statement prophetically included the following: "We seek to acquire the dental manpower to help set up dental-related professional schools as well as conduct hands-on courses to increase the expertise of local professionals. We also seek from time to time to procure equipment and supplies that can aid in educational pursuits as well as providing patient treatment."

Since that time, the Academy has been actively engaged in encouraging its members to participate in dental service projects in many diverse locations in the world. Much good has been accomplished by a host of dental volunteers. In addition, the Academy officers offered to assist the Church in appropriate dental service projects. Until recently, the Church had not chosen to work with the Academy. That all changed when Alejandro Robles, Area Authority and member of the faculty of the San Marcos Dental School in Lima, Peru, contacted LDS Charities and asked them for assistance in upgrading their program. The Academy officers were invited to participate with LDS Charities, with the Academy equipping the small clinic allotted in the dental school and the Church supplying the missionary couple to serve on the faculty of the school.

This goal was accomplished when Pelton and Crane (thank them!) donated six new dental units (chair, light, delivery system), and Rick and Alma Meyers, with some intervention from the Lord, were called to fulfill this assignment. Alma, a native of Guatemala, served a mission in Colombia, where she met Rick. Their mission began on January 1, 2000, where they first had the challenge to see the designated room was remodeled and the equipment was properly installed. Gradually Elder Meyers was able to gain the confidence of the faculty members and students. Specialists from the Academy were invited to come and lecture to the students. The first expedition to treat the poor was held in October of 2000. A total of 14 volunteers participated, including 7 dentists, 4 hygienists, and 3 assistants, and had some success. Subsequent projects were held in April of 2001 and May of 2002. Each built on the foundation laid by the previous projects and received greater participation by the students and the public who served as patients.

After the May 2002 project, the dean of the school formally invited the Academy to return for another project. It is scheduled from April 7-11, 2003, and has 33 volunteers scheduled to go, including 14 dentists, 4 hygienists, a dental repairman, and 12 others who will serve as assistants in varying capacities. The project held in May of 2002 involved over 600 patients and 120 students assisted. It is anticipated this upcoming project will involve many more, both patients and students. Each of these projects has been a special spiritual experience. Many have attended a session at the Lima Temple and have taken a side excursion to the famous ruin of Machu Picchu. Because of the spirit the students feel, some are prompted to ask questions. This gives the volunteers an opportunity, as appropriate, to explain gospel concepts, supply them with literature, and bear testimony. Many lives have been touched in a positive way, both through the service rendered and the spirit felt.

In many ways, the San Marcos experience has set a pattern that Academy officers hope can be repeated in many other locations. Each of us as members of the Academy should review our circumstances, feel for direction from the Lord, and, at the appropriate time in our lives, answer the call which surely will come. Participation in service projects such as those conducted at the San Marcos Dental School are excellent training grounds for a future call to serve as a full-time dental missionary.

By Dallas E. Murdock DDS, Project Organizer

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