 returned to San Pedro Town for its second visit of the year, providing free dental services.){kind=link}
The Belize Mission Project (BMP) returned to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, for its second visit of the year, providing free dental services at the San Pedro Lions Den from October 19 to 23rd. Local volunteers and island dentist Dr. Jorge Mauricio Pleitez joined the visiting team of dental professionals from the United States.
Supported by the San Pedro Lions Club, the clinic welcomed walk-in patients seeking extractions, fillings, and partial dentures. Dental cleanings, offered during previous visits, are expected to return at future clinics.
Dave Dorman, who has been involved with BMP for 18 years, helped prepare partial dentures during this visit. He said the team works to serve as many patients as possible with the resources available.
“We take pride in what we do, and we try to do as much as we can with what we have available,” Dorman said. “Here at the dental laboratory, we always have lots of work preparing partial dentures that will allow someone to smile with confidence again. That is an immense satisfaction for us.”
Dorman added that he was pleased to see volunteers remain committed to the project despite challenges affecting communities worldwide.
Dr. Pleitez said he assists the team whenever it visits the island, offering his services wherever needed. He first connected with BMP when he was about 15, and it inspired him to pursue a career in dentistry. He now operates his own clinic in San Pedro.
“I believe in giving back to the community, and I appreciate the opportunity with the project and admire their work for the benefit of the island community,” Pleitez said. He added that each visit provides opportunities to learn from the visiting professionals.
Founded by Dr. Frank Whipps, the Belize Mission Project has served communities throughout Belize for more than 30 years. This year, the San Pedro Lions Club supported the clinics by preparing its facilities to accommodate the dental team and patients.
With its second clinic of the year completed, the BMP team plans to return to the island in January 2027. Members thanked everyone supporting the initiative, including volunteer Helen Haylock, who has worked in the project’s laboratory for years. They also acknowledged volunteers from the United States and Belize who continue to donate their time and expertise to provide dental care for people in need.