A team of U.S. dental specialists and Belizean professionals provided free dental services in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7 as part of the long-running Belize Mission Project. The annual outreach, which has served island residents for more than 30 years, treated hundreds of adults and children.
Clinics operated at the San Pedro Lions Den on Barrier Reef Drive, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until noon on Friday.
Services included fillings, extractions and partial dentures. Organizers said the timing during October’s low tourist season helps reach residents who otherwise lack access to care.
Local contributors included island dentist Dr. Jorge Mauricio Pleitez and Faith Edgar, former Miss San Pedro (2022–2023) and founder of the nonprofit Smiles 4 Belize.
Edgar, who is studying dentistry, joined the team on Wednesday, Nov. 5, to run a fluoride clinic at Holy Cross Anglican Primary School in the San Mateo subdivision.
Team member Steve Bender said the fluoride clinics produced visible improvements in children’s oral health. “We have noticed a significant improvement in the children’s teeth health,” he said, noting that fluoride strengthens enamel, helps prevent and even reverse early decay, and improves overall dental health.
Bender added that the Lions Den saw a steady flow of patients throughout the week. “We were busy,” he said. “We’re happy to have been able to provide services to so many islanders.”
Organizers urged residents to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental cleaners to reduce cavity risk.
The Belize Mission Project plans to return to San Pedro in January 2026. Locals expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ continued generosity and the ongoing access to essential dental care.
