Rhode Island
Local Hero: Dr. H.

“We get personal satisfaction when we can help someone who’s less fortunate than we are,” says Dr. H., an oral surgeon who has been a DDS volunteer since 1989. “You learn that early in life if you’re lucky. My parents were my example—they were involved in health care, and they were very generous with their time and effort.” Dr. H., who has taught at Georgetown University School of Dentistry and the University of Rhode Island, has been in private practice in Rhode Island for 15 years. One of his recent DDS patients was a middle-aged, physically disabled man. “He was dentally disabled because the remaining teeth in his mouth had decayed to the gum line,” says Dr. H. “We removed the diseased teeth and prepared the jaws for denture fabrication. You  take someone from being a dental invalid to restoring their ability to chew things like salad and fresh fruit. You really have an impact on someone’s overall health, and the patients have always been appreciative.” Like many other DDS volunteers, Dr. H. has high praise for DDS. “Michelle Palmer is our state coordinator, and she’s a phenomenal asset,” he says.  “The organization itself is a collection of leaders in dentistry who are dedicated to helping the oral health of people who are in unfortunate situations. It’s part of giving back to the community.”