Mission Trip to China

Dr. Donald A. Stoner, his son, and two other dental students recently returned from an exciting mission trip to China where they provided dental care to Tibetan minorities at an orphanage sponsored by North Way Missions of Wexford, PA. During seven long days at the orphanage, middle school, elementary school, and a remote village, they did over 400 dental procedures, including extractions and restorative dentistry. Some patients walked four hours to receive relief from their dental pain. Most had never received any prior dental care. The team was overwhelmed by the warmth, friendliness, gratitude and smiles of the people.

Dan Stoner, Ethan Drake, and Michael Lisien are completing the third of four years at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. They thanked Dr. Stoner for being an outstanding mentor, allowing them to improve their dental skills while experiencing a different culture and learning the satisfaction of helping people in desperate need.

Dr. Stoner was made aware of the needs in this remote area by his patients, Ken and Lisa Starkey and Dave Gartner, who have lived in China for many years. Each time they return to Pittsburgh to visit family, friends, and church, they return to Dr. Stoner for dental care. During these visits they made plans for this trip. Equipment and supplies were provided by the dentists, dental suppliers and North Way Missions. Each volunteer paid their own travel expenses. All patients who requested treatment were provided dental care at no cost. Dave Gartner said, "We are so grateful for the impact they made in our communities." Dr. Stoner said the smiles made it all worthwhile.

View larger image   Future Pitt Dental Student	View larger image   Dr. Don Stoner and Dan Stoner with patient	View larger image   Dr. Stoner demonstrating for Ethan Draken, Mike Lisien, Dan Stoner and Chinese physician
View larger image   Dan Stoner with patients at elementary school	View larger image   Dan Stoner with satisfied patient	View larger image   Left to right: Dr. Don Stoner, Dan Stoner, Ethan Drake, Dave Gartner, Mike Lisien and Chinese assistants