The Belize Mission Project, now in its 18th year, commenced working on the island on Monday October 17th. This year, the mission will be making two visits to the country. This week the first group of 48 dental professionals are in the country, including Dental Surgeons, Dental Assistants, Hygienists, Lab Technicians and one Medical Doctor, arrived in the country. The second group is scheduled to arrive two weeks' time. The group has been doing work in Ladyville, Placencia, Burrell Boom, Caye Caulker, some Belize City Schools and of course, San Pedro.

With seven Dentists stationed in San Pedro, the team was able to see a total of 104 patients on Monday alone. By Tuesday at noon, they had attended 73 patients. Services offered by the group include extractions, fillings, partial dentures, cleaning, fluoride treatment for children, sealants and oral hygiene instructions among other services.

The group of volunteers will be working daily from 8:00am - 5:00pm closing doors on Friday at noon. The project, which had its start in 1993, was originally known as "The Fishin' Mission." Their visit to La Isla Bonita would focus on two things: dental/medical mission work and professional fishing. Dr. Frank Whipps, an orthodontist practicing in Illinois, teamed up with colleagues who had the same idea: to concentrate strictly on dental and medical mission work. Along with help from Mr. Will Lala, longtime resident of San Pedro Town, the "Belize Mission Project" was formed.

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