Alabama
Local Hero:  Dr. H.

“If you can’t work because of a disability, where are you going to go?” asks Dr. H., who has been a DDS volunteer since 1999. At the time, she was the president of the Ninth District Dental Society. She recalls, “I needed to do this. We have to lead by example, and this is a way as a group to help the image of dentistry as a whole.” Dr. H. has been in private practice in Alexander City since 1987. She has served on numerous professional boards, volunteered for organizations ranging from nursing homes to the Boy Scouts, and participated in international medical and dental missions. “This is a good program,” she says. “It could be us in their shoes. We haven’t had a single patient who’s not appreciative.” Helping individuals achieve independence is one of Dr. H.’s chief goals.  An example is a young woman affected by spina bifida.  This teenager never learned to take care of her teeth, damaging her physical appearance and self esteem. Dr. H. partnered with orthodontist Dr. W to do restorative work and put braces on the young girl.  “I know that our work prepared her to get employment, and it certainly made her feel good about herself,” says Dr. H. “We’re still in touch with her.” Dr. H. summed up her involvement with DDS by saying, “You feel good about yourself, it’s fun and you get some unexpected personal rewards.” One patient helped by Dr. H. reciprocated the favor with a wonderfully delicious homemade best red velvet cake.