On April 16th, Dr. Pierre Boumerhi and a team of dental volunteers from Pennsylvania, USA arrived at La Isla Bonita on a quest to provide a week of dental services at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II from Monday, April 18th to Friday, April 22nd.
The dental group and volunteers dedicated a full week starting from 8AM to 11:45AM and 1 to 5 PM; providing the community of San Pedro with dental services such as cleaning, cavity fillings, fluoride applications and tooth extractions. Not only were their services open to all ages, but free of charge. They also donated useful supplies to the polyclinic’s dental room.
Dr. Boumerhi studied at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Dental Medicine, and along with the support of his wife, Holly Boumerhi, they decided to become active in helping those who can’t afford dental work.
“Years ago, I help set up a clinic in Jamaica, but my kids were younger and I never had the opportunity to practice and help out. Since my kids are now older, I have more free time to give back to the community and volunteer,” said Pierre.
The Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch (BRCSP) also assisted the dental group throughout the week. “Dr. Pierre and his team are more than generous. They fully funded their trip here and have given services and supplies to equip the polyclinic. We thank them very much,” said Debra La Tendre, a volunteer at BRCSP.
The BRCSP also sponsored first aid for Ambergris Caye Elementary School’s 2nd Annual Autism Awareness 5K and along with the dental team, volunteered at the San Pedro Food Bank at the Lion’s Den on Tuesday, April 19th.
According to Dr. Boumerhi, this will not be his last visit to Belize. He plans to return before the end of the year and expand his dental services by providing dentures and partials to patients who need them. “We had a very busy week at the clinic and were glad to be here. We look forward to coming back to San Pedro and continue volunteering,” said Holly.
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