Dr. Bill Sasser
Dr. Bill with dental students and Honduran patient
After years of finding a variety of reasons and excuses to avoid committing to a short-term dental mission trip in a foreign country, I finally said "yes" and went to Monterrey, Mexico in 1996. I must admit to having been apprehensive when I stepped off the plane and into a culture that was very different than "my world". I was challenged by the obvious such as the food and Hispanic culture. In addition, our clinic conditions were totally foreign and outside the comfort zone of a dentist who had never worked anywhere but the typical well equipped U.S. dental office. In spite of all the perceived negatives, God touched my heart in a unique way and changed my perspective about the dental needs of the poor.
That first trip was an "ice breaker" of sorts. A friend gave me a great piece of advice as I tried to sort out my feelings from that first mission trip. He said..."don't worry, if you will take baby steps in faith, our Lord will build your faith from the first feeble obedience". I subsequently read several books with similar messages. The first step in walking on water is to get out of the boat!
For many years I balanced private practice with periodic international service and, subsequently, left practice 3 years ago in order to be fully available to respond to the desire to go further and stay longer. I continue to volunteer regularly at charity clinics in my hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, but overseas service has been my most rewarding time in dentistry. I believe that God's greatest call is to the last, the least, and the lost. Just look at a map of the world outside of North America and Western Europe and you will find the greatest needs. I challenge those who might have felt a nudge from the Lord, to give mission dentistry a try. You will be a blessing to those whom you serve, but you will be doubly blessed in the process.
Bill Sasser, DMD
