The Rotary Club of Emory-Clifton conducted a successful Dental Mission in Bataraza National High School, Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines this July. The club chose to conduct this mission because 92% of Filipinos have dental issues according to the country's Department of Health.

The mission was spearheaded by Pia Dina Valeriano, Past-President and Co-Founder of Rotary Club of Emory-Clifton. Pia’s supporting cast came from her family of dentists -- Dr. Teresita Ortega dela Cruz (mother), Dr. David O. Dela Cruz (brother) and Dr. Jamara Kyla dela Cruz (niece). The dela Cruz family happily volunteered to assist the community; bringing the quality of over 60 years of dental heritage to the citizens of Bataraza.

About 2000 students, teachers and administrators gathered to welcome the team in their school. Pia gave the audience some background information about the Rotary Club and recounted the trivial coincidences that made the mission was possible. Finally, Pia humored the audience with the numerous how's and why's for proper tooth care. Dr. David dela Cruz further emphasized proper brushing and flossing.

The group treated more than 80 patients, Each patient received treatment as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste, and an apple. According to the dentists, most of the teeth extracted were in a condition that could not be kept nor restored with fillings.

Even Pia’s 86-year old mother Teresita (supposedly just an observer) could not stand idly by as all the patients piled up by the doorway. She went straight to work and seemingly did not miss a beat. All dental procedures went well with a few squeals from scared patients and an electricity outage that continued even after the sun had already set. Despite all that the program continued using flashlights. The last patient clocked-out at 8:25pm.

The project was gratifying as all volunteers felt that their service was desperately needed. Pia interviewed some of the students and they have indicated that they were experiencing toothaches for months on end. The fact that most of the local health centers did not accept their difficult cases was deeply alarming. On the other hand Tooth extraction for the average private dental practitioner costs 800php in Palawan which is 273% of daily minimum wage.

The Rotary Club would like to thank the following organizations and individuals: to the sponsors of this project, Villa de Sierra Vista, Pinay Boutique, Makabayan Georgia, Inc., Lorri Christopher, Rotary Club of Puerto Princesa, Philippine Dental Association, Palawan Chapter, Meg Bhuiyan, and Joselyn Millan; to the volunteers during fund raising in Georgia: Yamin Farhat, Jeevan Kumar, Paul & April Young, Evangeline Hughes & Paul Craighead, and Merly & Jo Erasga; to the dental team: Dr. Teresita Ortega dela Cruz, Dr. David dela Cruz, Dr. Jamara Kyla dela Cruz and their dental assistants Merline and Jinky; to other dental team helpers: Ryzy de Villa, Rona de Villa, Joshua dela Cruz, and Dong Jecie. Special thanks goes to the Bataraza National High School administration and MAPEH teachers and most especially to Teacher Manuel Leonor who coordinated and made this event possible!

Congratulations to All for an Outreach well done! It’s definitely ROTARY CONNECTING THE WORLD and SERVICE ABOVE SELF!!