As part of a humanitarian mission first started by Dr. Bari Levine (Dr. Levine’s daughter who recently graduated from dental school – congrats, Bari!), the Levine family recently trekked once more to Peru to provide dental care to orphans.
The Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants’ beloved Maggie Rutherford joined the group as the sole dental hygienist. She provided education and mentorship to Temple’s Kornberg School of Dentistry and Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicados’ (UPC) dental students. Maggie also conducted fluoride treatments, sealants, and plaque control education. Her husband, Lee, came along as mission photographer. He even assisted Maggie and other clinicians “chairside” – now that’s teamwork!
The American contingency included 12 dental students, five doctors (including Dr. Levine, his wife, Dr. Sheryl Radin, and daughter Dr. Bari Levine). UPC sent 20 5th year students (dental school is five years in Peru) who not only acted as clinicians but also assisted as translators. The program is now recognized as a unique participation between a prominent U.S. university and a foreign dental school. All told, the growing group treated more than 350 children and adults ages three to 60.
Way to go Levine family and Maggie!