Academy of LDS Dentists

by Roger & Julie Roth, Service Volunteers

Roger and Julie Roth, dentist and hygienist, are service volunteers in American Samoa for one and a half years.  They have portable dental equipment they take to adjacent islands.  They recently returned from Sauniatu. The children’s English is not strong so two Samoan clinic volunteers were very helpful with the brushing and flossing instructions.  They saw 125 patients, mostly children.

They performed checkups and fluoride varnishes and did a number of extractions at the end of the second day.  Normally that’s probably not a good idea, but they felt they couldn’t leave several of the kids suffering and in constant pain when they knew they could help them…  There were no complications and no tears.  They told the children (mostly LDS) how brave they were: like “stripling warriors”.  Roger Roth asked them if their dad or grandpa’s name was “Helaman”?  They just smiled!

The school principal and the Stake President each were excited about the Dental DVD that was produced by the Public Affairs missionaries  (see it on our Website – CLICK HERE). It will be used in the Relief Societies and at school with the parents. They will return to the small island for a fireside on the DVD that is in English and Samoan.

The clinic in Samoa sees a steady stream of pre-missionaries in preparation for the submission of their papers. They have treated and cared for many of the young missionaries, the senior missionaries, and Samoa Temple workers.  So many non-LDS people have been served as well and are indeed grateful to be able to utilize such a wonderful facility without the worry of payment.

DENTISTS & HYGIENISTS: 
Are you looking for a great destination-service experience?  Look no further.
Contact: Dr. Wayne Chisholm mailto:wchisholm@live.com

THE ROTH’S HAVE SAID:
“We love it here so much; they may need to bury us here!”