LDA - Louisiana Dental Association

Years ago we changed locations to Nicaragua.
Our Mission has grown to over 60 members from all
over the U.S. Belinda and two of our daughters have
been. We are now a travelling hospital, complete
with pharmacy and a veterinary team. In June, we
will celebrate our 20th trip in the villages of northern
Nicaragua. I can’t imagine how spiritually empty my
life might be had I not answered that first call, and I
thank God everyday for everything in my life.
National Park, Montana and followed the Rocky
Mountains up through the Columbia Icefields in
Canada. Boys will be boys!
But I will have to say the most awesome, life
changing journey I have ever experienced has been
as a missionary dentist. In 1992, I was invited to go
with a group from Trinity Episcopal Church in New
Orleans on their first ever medical mission trip to
Honduras, and knowing only the other dentist in
the group, I went with much reluctance. Our small
group of 20 travelled by school bus across rivers, and
by that I mean no bridges, where water was over the
tires and would come into the bus. Sometimes the
dirt roads up the mountains were so steep we would
have to unload and walk so the bus could make it up.
We would eventually arrive at a mountain-top village
which consisted of stucco buildings with thatched
roofs, perhaps a stream or central well as a water
source for the village, and occasional electricity. We
would set up wherever we could, sometimes using
tree stumps for chairs, flashlights or sunlight to see,
and gauze for suction. At the end of the day we would
be sweat soaked, exhausted and totally filthy. Back at
base camp, we would meet for a time of reflection and
prayer, led by a priest who was a master at spiritual
guidance. We would become energized and ready for
the next day. On these trips I have been deeply moved
and humbled by something as small as a mother’s
touch and a smile; payment in gratitude for treating
her children. I understand the miracle when the
Disciples fed the crowds with the fishes and loaves of
bread while Jesus preached, and when He was done,
the Disciples gathered up the crumbs and their baskets
overflowed. On these trips we truly receive much more
than we give. It makes you grateful for all the things
you have, little things like hot water or electricity, and
no scorpions or tarantulas in your bed!
What inspired you to take an active role in
LDA leadership
I was vice president of the Student Government
Association in dental school and when I moved
back to Monroe, I guess by habit, became a regular
attendee at our NELDA meetings. At one of our
meetings, I was asked to be treasurer, which
eventually led to becoming NELDA president.
During those years, I became a delegate to the LDA
House of Delegates. I guess my first House meeting
set the hook. I was really impressed with that side
of organized dentistry. I then served several years on
the LDS/PDP Board and several years on the Council
on Governmental Affairs. I filled an unexpired
term on the LDA Board and was elected for two
more. During my second term, several people
asked if I was considering running for president
but at the time it was something I really didn’t feel
comfortable doing. However, the more I thought
about it, the more I realized I had been involved
with the LDA for years, I had the experience, and
perhaps it was simply my turn to step up to the
plate. Sometimes you have to push yourself out of
your comfort zone to do the things you think you
should do.
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