Washington (Seattle)
Local Hero: Dr. G.

Dr. G. has been in practice for 26 years in his hometown of Renton, Wash., where Boeing remains the largest employer. He has also been a DDS volunteer for the last six years, because, he says, “It’s an obligation to the community that I practice in. It’s a wonderful program,” he adds. “The patient is prescreened, the paperwork is minimal, and you have the opportunity to decide whether or not you want to provide treatment.” Dr. G.’s most recent DDS patient, a man in his mid-thirties, was on medication that interfered with saliva flow, creating massive decay. “He couldn’t even smile decently,” the doctor recalls.  “He was obviously self-conscious about his appearance. You could tell that it affected his self-esteem. During the period of treatment you could see his personality open up, and he became much more alive.” Dr. G. also volunteers for several other dental-assistance programs. He has also created a program he calls “Turning Gold Into Food.” With the help of his patients, he collects dental gold and recycles it, donating the proceeds to a local food bank. “It gives me satisfaction, knowing that small actions can influence lives,” he says. With DDS, you get to directly see the impact of your donation. It’s a great program and I feel proud to be part of it.”