News

Teams Provide Dental/Orthopedic Care to Ebeye Islanders

Two Canvasback Missions specialty teams provided care on Ebeye in the Marshall Islands March 15-30, 2007. An orthopedic team performed 10 total knee replacements, 20 arthroscopy surgeries and various other orthopedic procedures while a dental team treated 417 dental patients. Organized by Jacque Spence, co-founder of Canvasback Missions, the 23 team members hailed from Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, Arizona, California, Idaho and Oregon.

Headed up by Robert Wells, M.D., Portland, Ore., the orthopedic team performed total knee joint replacements and arthroscopy utilizing donated equipment which they left at the hospital in Ebeye. Some of the patients had not been able to walk for more than ten years. Wells also trained Ebeye’s only orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Richard Trinidad, to use the equipment.

The dental team, led by Milford Anholm, DDS, Loma Linda, Calif., helped to relieve a large backlog of patients needing dental services. School children crowded the halls every afternoon to be examined and treated. “The amount of dental caries and bombed-out teeth was overwhelming,” Anholm said. “It’s painful to see children suffer with a mouthful of tooth decay.” Working with Ebeye dental personnel, the team was able to treat more than 50 patients per day.

Milford Anholm, DDS

Richard Nakabayashi, DDS

With more than 12,000 people living on a mere 80 acres, Ebeye is the most populous island of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands,” said Spence. “Putting together this trip was one of the most challenging things we have done. It took a lot of help from many people and corporations to make this trip possible. Orthopedic surgery requires very strict sterile conditions and Dr. Wells tried to emulate the conditions that he normally works in by bringing over all the same supplies – the same implants and drapes and screws - which he uses at Portland Adventist Hospital.”

In the end, we filled to the brim a 20-foot container. Crawford and Crawford Crating in Benicia not only built crates in which to package all the orthopedic and dental equipment and supplies but they also helped to load a 20-foot container that was donated by Matson Lines. Mt. Diablo Hospital donated medical supplies and equipment which was vital for the orthopedic work. Medical and dental companies from all over the United States - such as Smith Nephew and Richards, Cardinal Health, Kerr Dental, and Ultradent - helped to make this mission possible.”

“This trip went extremely well and we made a significant impact,” Dr. Wells reflected. “Our Marshallese patients were so warm and trusting and the hospital staff went the extra mile to make this happen.” Dr. Trinidad expressed his gratitude, writing,” I feel so blessed to see my patients receive the medical care they need after so many years of waiting. Thanks also for the many and countless donations. We are very much thankful for your kindness and continued support.”

Dental assistant Deborah Howell demonstrates tooth brushing to children waiting to see the dentist.

Richard Nakabayashi, DDS, & Loma Linda dental student Elisa Song.

Glenn Richey, DDS, is assisted by Carlene McKay Richey.

Jackie Ashe, RDH

Robert Wells, MD with knee replacement patient.

Marilyn Shipp, PA, with knee replacement patient.

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