The Ensign Academy of Dentistry (formerly the Academy of LDS Dentists) Puerto Vallarta Dental Service Project has been serving the children of the Puerto Vallarta area for over 18 years.
Currently Dr. Cook has a trip planned for January 13-21, 2023. Dr. Cook has recruited a team made up of dentists from the Pacific Northwest. Doctors will bring family members and staff to serve as assistants, sterile technicians, and interpreters. Each year we try to recruit a local dentist from the Puerto Vallarta vicinity to work with us in the clinic.
The portable clinic will consist of 4-5 Adec units for the doctors and two hygiene units. Some of the equipment and supplies left from the last visit are in storage in PV.
School children in the villages of Quimixto, La Cruz, and Punta de Mita are invited to come for free dental care. The “Amigos of LaCruz”, a local senior citizen group of retired Canadian and Americans, help organize the community and schools. The children are pre-screened by a local hygienist and placed in categories for our visit. The doctors and hygienists work in the clinic from 8-3pm each day from Monday – Thursday. They try to make sure all kids receive a cleaning, toothbrush, floss, and leave with a healthy smile. The treatments performed include fillings, extractions, pulpotomies, and cleanings. The kids and parents are always very appreciative and kind.
Check out the link below for more information about our trip last year.
Each spring time about two months after they return Dr. Cook and Croft start to recruit dentists for the next trip (2024). By July/August they like to have their team finalized.
They are considering moving the 2024 trip to the last week in April. This would allow BYU Pre-dental students to come on the trip. If you have any interest in the 2024 humanitarian mission to Puerto Vallarta please contact Dr. Don Cook.
drcook@nwdentalcenter,com
208-571-3381