In February of 2023, Dr. Bill traveled with a team to Nicaragua. The following is his brief report of the trip. If you’re interested in serving on a Medical Mission Team or connecting with DCF, please contact us at dentalcommunityfellowship@gmail.com!
It was a pleasure to once again travel with a Global Health Outreach medical/dental team to serve in a very rural portion of Nicaragua. Both GHO and DCF fall under the umbrella of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA).
Nicaragua is now the second poorest country in the western hemisphere behind Haiti. While the country has the potential for economic improvement, an authoritarian government constraints investment. It’s estimated that over 500,000 citizens have left the country in hopes of a better life elsewhere.
Our team was made up of 16 U.S. volunteers and a like number of Nicaraguans who interpreted and contributed to the delivery of patient care. Represented was medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing, pharmacy, along with a pastor and several non-medical helpers. Each day several hundred patients received a warm welcome and spiritual counseling in addition to medical consultation or dental treatment.
As the week progressed we shared many “God sightings” both in the clinic as well as in our down time. Because of muddy conditions, travel was exciting traversing very deep potholes, but we arrived safely each day coming and going from the clinic site. Walking around in mud could be treacherous, but there were no major mishaps, just muddy shoes and clothes.
The highlight of the trip from my standpoint was having Will Cranford, on the team. Will is a recent graduate from MUSC who practices in Rock Hill with his father and sister, both MUSC grads. Will participated on 2 spring break trips as a student. To see him now taking time away from private practice early in his career in order to serve overseas was a huge encouragement to me. Seeing a young dentist pick up the mantle of mission service is why DCF exists.