Philanthropy / Volunteerism
 The photograph is of a dental mission trip Dr Holecek participated in with a group of dental students from the university of Detroit school of dentistry. Often working under porches and using tree stumps for dental chairs in 90 degree temperature. the need for dental care in many areas of Central America remains very high.
"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us..."
- 2 Thessalonias 2:15
Mission trips to Honduras have become a bi-annual tradition for the Christian Dental Association at UDM. These trips have been taking place since before and y of us began dental school in 2005. Following the leadership and example of prior CDA student leaders such as Brent Rickheim (DDS'06) Eric Childs(DDS'07) and Brandon Leeser(DDS'08), it is our hope to continue this "tradition of excellence" for the CDA and the UDM School of Dentistry and to pass the baton off to the next generation of students.
In August 2008, UDM CDA sent down our largest group to date. Our team consisted of 25 Hondurans and 34 Americans, including 21 students, nine DS4s, five DS3s, Five DS2s, and two dental hygiene students. We were joined by three pre-dental students, six assistance, and an RN. Additionally, we were accompanied by three dentists: Drs. Anthony Dietz (DDS'65), Larry Trombka (DDS'82), and Frank Holecek (DDS'80).
With a team this large we were able to care for over 1500 people during hate course of our week-long trip. We performed dozens of root canals and hundreds of extractions restoration, and periodontal treatments. Thanks to the donation of supplies's and equipment from orthodontist William Kried, DDS, MS'83, we were also able to proved hundreds of children wit pit and fissure sealants. Most importantly, were were able to provide each individual with the message of the Gospel- that Jesus Christ is the one and only way of salvation for everyone who truly believes.
Discussion has already begun for future trips, including the possibility of one this coming winter and/or spring, and next summer. We are always looking for dental professionals to join us so if you think you might be interested please lest us know by visiting http://dental.udmercy.edu/cda
Finally we want to give a special thanks to Mary Yim and her family, Dr. Carl Stone, Dr. John Molinari, and the UDMSD for donations to make this trip possible.
"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Dr Holecek’s brother Andrew, is a dentist in Colorado and is active in providing dental care in camps in Nepal, India, Vietnam and more, through the Himalayan Dental Relief Project, a philanthropy organization he helped found for further information you can access the website at himalayan dental relief project.com.
In 2009 Dr Holecek volunteered with a group of dental care providers at the Michigan day of oral health outreach. a program sponsored by the governor’s oral health initiative, to bring immediate, urgent care to those who otherwise would not have access to it.
Volunteers Needed:
- Dentists
- Dental Hygienists
- Dental Assistants
- Community Volunteers
Featured Speakers:
- Governor Granholm
- Paula Tutman
Saturday, May 16
UDM Dental School
8:00 - 4:00
Focus of the Event:
- Provide Free Access to dental care for adults for immediatem urgent care for treatment of dental infections of pain(extractions of fillings only).
only low income adults will be seen on a first-come, first served basis.
- Raise public awareness of the increasing difficulty low-imcome adults and children face in accessing critical dental care
- Challenging Medicaid patients, policy makers, and dnetal professionals to work to gether to improve oral health of those who are underinsured or uninsured
Sponsors: Michigan Department of Community Health, The university of Detroit, Mercy Dental School, and the Michigan Dental Association Foundation
For More information or to Volunteer:
Jill Moore
517-373-4943
Moorej14@michigan.gov
By midmorning over 1,000 patient were in line.
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