Montana
Local Hero: Dr. Andrew Hyams

“I try to live out the golden rule in my practice,” says Dr. Andrew Hyams, a volunteer with DDS since the program’s inception. The Montana native, who has been in practice for 21 years, enjoys working with Billings denture cases through DDS. “They’re extremely needy people who aren’t going to get treatment unless it’s through some kind of program,” he says. “They’re largely or mostly toothless, and their remaining teeth can cause a lot of pain or infection problems. Many of them have speech problems, and a lot of times they’re embarrassed.” As for the benefits of his care, Dr. Hyams says, “Probably the most noticeable change that it makes is that it re-socializes people.” Like most DDS volunteers, Dr. Hyams appreciates “the freedom to do as much or as little as you want to do. The prescreening is very helpful. There are many different ways to give, but I took this route because I call the shots and I have complete control over the treatment plan.” Dr. Hyams is happy to be making a difference. “Every case gives the practitioner a feeling that you’ve done some good. The primary reason I do it is not how it makes the patient feel, but how it makes me feel. I feel privileged to be in dentistry and to do what I do.”