CDA Cares, Service and Reflections

 Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do volunteer work with the California Dental Association.  Twice a year, they provide free dental work to those who cannot afford dental care in the state of California.  Not only do their services include cleanings and fillings, but they also include extractions, dentures and partials.  Over 800 dentists, hygienists, technicians and dental students were there.  In addition, hundreds more volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and others provided other needed services. It was an amazing thing to watch as a "hive" of workers, came together to help repair and restore smiles.

I worked as an escort.  I took patients who had gone through the medical triage, examination and x-rays over to another building where treatments were being given.  My walk from one building and back was equivalent to one lap around a track.  I worked from 5am to 11am and I walked a lot of miles but it was all for a good cause.

I got to talk with a lot of people yesterday as I escorted them from one building to the next.  They  were anxious but so grateful to have dental work done even if that meant having some teeth pulled.  One woman told me she had been suffering from tooth pain.  Her sister called her and told her about the free care and so she came.  She had to wait hours to get her tooth pulled but she was grateful.  Another woman told me she had lost most of her teeth due to Methadone use.  She had a lot of regret over the choices she had made earlier in her life and was not looking forward to having more dental work as a result of those choices.

I have done a lot of reflecting about my experience yesterday.  I was given an opportunity to talk with, work with and show care and concern to people I would otherwise have never interacted with.  It touched my heart.  It also reminded me of the Savior. He loved for ALL mankind, the leper, the lame, the poor and meek in spirit.  He turned away none, but gave love to all and an opportunity to be healed through Him.  It has given me much to think about and reflect on.  I am grateful for those six hours and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve others.