Clinician’s Spotlight – Dr. Duane H Beers

For decades Dr. Duane Beers expended his time, resources and energy to become the best clinical dentist possible. Then in 1999 at the ADA meeting in Hawaii, Dr. Beers attended a church service where Dr. Ron Lamb described over 100 missions he had taken to serve the poor. He challenged dentists to follow his example with healthcare mission teams providing dental services.

February, 2002 | Zambia, Africa

Dr. Beers had a calling that he knew he had to listen to. His first mission trip was to Zambia, Africa in 2002. On this trip, his eyes were opened to the true meaning of poverty. There were fewer than 100 dentists to serve a country with a population of 15 million. Not one of his patients, young or old, had ever seen a dentist. The dental services he provided were limited to the relief of pain and suffering (extractions only). Such was the case in his first dozen or so mission trips.

Many dentists have now joined international relief organizations such as The Christian Medical Dental Association, Global Health Outreach, Global Health Relief, Healthcare Ministries, Samaritans Purse and Oral Roberts University Nursing School to help their neighbors who live in desperate conditions.

Procedures that change lives

Because of the increasingly sophisticated portable equipment, Dr. Beers is now using cosmetic bonding to change lives around the world in a more meaningful way. Many times his team doesn’t have electricity, water and even lighting, so keeping procedures simple and efficient is crucial. Dr. Mopper showed Dr. Beers years ago that you can use simple composite techniques and still make your restorations beautiful.

BEFORE

AFTER

So now, rather than extracting teeth, Dr. Beers brings a bit of joy and happiness to his patients- such procedures truly change lives. The training from Buddy and other faculty at the Center for Esthetic Excellence has enabled dentists such as Dr. Beers to learn simple techniques that are critical when one has limited time and resources. Cosmedent has been proud to support Dr. Beers through accreditation, sending supplies to over 18 countries and continuous training.

Dr. Beers has taken both of his daughters on mission trips, and their eyes were opened to the meaning of poor and destitute. The poorest in America are richer than 98% of the people on the globe. He is looking forward to his upcoming trip to the Middle East in September.

Blessings to you all.

About the AuthorDr. Duane Beers

Dr. Beers graduated from University of California, Davis (UCDavis) in 1971 with a B.S. in biochemistry. He attended Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri and received his Doctor of Dental Medicine diploma with honors in March 1975.

He took a position with the U.S. Public Health Service, Indian Health Service in Zuni, NM. While there he pursued extensive postdoctoral training in oral surgery, orthodontics, and pedodontics. Since then, Dr. Beers has continued his education in the disciplines of cosmetic and laser dentistry.

Dr. Beers is a Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) , an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AAACD). Dr. Beers is a charter member of the American Association of Functional Orthodontics and the Academy of Laser Dentistry.