Written by Shuli Lo
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
On April 26, 2025, Tzu Chi volunteers and a dedicated team of dental professionals traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to hold a modest yet profoundly impactful free dental clinic. This outreach focused on two special cases: Mario, a Catholic pastor who had previously received care from Tzu Chi, and 12-year-old Andrés José, a young boy from the local community.
The Tzu Chi campus in Tijuana houses a dental clinic that has long provided free dental care to under-resourced communities. Local dentist Dr. Pati regularly provides essential treatments such as fillings and extractions to students, parents, and individuals receiving community care, including children from nearby elementary schools. However, for more complex procedures such as root canals, dentures, or orthodontics, specialized support is required. This clinic was organized to fulfill that need.
Among the patients was a 12-year-old boy named Andrés José, who arrived with his grandmother, Rosaclena. During a previous visit, Dr. Pati had diagnosed Andrés with severe dental misalignment and recommended a comprehensive treatment plan.
“We’ve never taken him to a dentist before. Private care is just too expensive, and we could never afford it,” Rosaclena expressed. “Without Tzu Chi, this kind of treatment would be impossible for us. His teeth have been troubling him for so long, not just making it hard to eat, but even keeping him from smiling.”
Professional Support Paves the Way for the Future
Dr. Lai thoroughly inspects the mobile dental equipment available at the Tzu Chi campus. Photo/Shuli Lo
Dr. Lawrence Lai, a long-time participant in Tzu Chi’s free medical outreach clinics, reviewed Andrés’s X-rays and diagnosed a severe cavity in one of his first molars. With great care, he administered anesthesia, performed a root canal, and followed through with meticulous cleaning and filling.
“First molars typically emerge around age six,” Dr. Lai explained. “Andrés already has a severe cavity in his molar at age 12. It would be a shame to extract it. If we can save the tooth, it will help preserve his ability to chew, speak clearly, and support proper facial development. That’s the real solution.”
In addition to Andrés’s treatment, Dr. Lai also inspected the mobile dental equipment at Tzu Chi’s Tijuana campus and identified additional tools needed to support an upcoming Tzu Chi Medical Mission visit from Hualien, Taiwan, scheduled for July.
“This time,” he stated, “we hope to find out through home visits if treatment conditions are there for these special care recipients. Some people are unable to travel to the clinic on their own, so if conditions are ready, we will be able to provide in-home dental services. This is something that is difficult for ordinary organizations to do.”
We should help while we can, so that we won’t regret not doing enough when we’re too old to walk.
Returning to Fulfill a Promise
For Dr. Metta Surya, this clinic held special significance. In addition to conducting a full dental impression and evaluation for Andrés José, she also fulfilled a personal promise made months earlier to aid Pastor Mario.
Dr. Surya had first met Mario during a previous clinic. Upon learning he had been unable to eat properly for years due to complete tooth loss, she committed to creating a full set of dentures for him. Staying true to her word, she returned to complete the trial fitting herself, and ensured he was adjusting well.
“Today, I had a very good experience because I can help people here in Tijuana,” she shared. “I feel blessed that I can be part of this work.”
Dental assistant Theresa Yang, who traveled from Los Angeles for her first international medical outreach, assisted Dr. Surya with denture impressions and patient care, including Andrés’s treatment and home visit. “We did a lot of root canals, and we also helped people get dentures,” Yang said. “We helped them fit, and they’re really happy to get their smile back. We showed them in the mirror. That was really great to see.”
The Starting Point of Dignity and Hope
Enhancing mobile dental equipment will enable future clinics to operate more effectively in the homes of individuals with severe mobility challenges. Photo/Shuli Lo
As part of this outreach, Tzu Chi volunteers and the dental team conducted home visits to evaluate treatment possibilities for individuals with severe mobility challenges. They carefully assessed each living space, discussing how to rearrange furniture and bring in dental equipment to ensure safe, effective care at home. In doing so, they also considered patients’ hygiene needs and emotional well-being, especially for those who have been bedridden or isolated for extended periods.
Such meticulous preparation ensures that those most in need can receive safe, compassionate, dignified care, regardless of economic or health-related barriers. In circumstances where resources are scarce, a single set of dentures can mark the beginning of restored confidence and a strengthened sense of hope. Through professional skill and heartfelt service, Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to protect smiles and sow wellness and joy in Tijuana.
