A team of three American dental specialists from the prestigious Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in the United States, visited the Kingdom last week to offer training in dental implant surgery to eight local dentists.

A dental implants course was taught by periodontist Dr. John Francis and oral surgeon Dr. Douglas Beals. Patients received free dental care and dental implants during the program. The team also donated dental supplies and equipment, including dental implants, surgical kits and implant motors.

"It was very rewarding, to be able to go teach somebody and offer them this," stated Dr. John Francis.

"Their excitement was contagious, to see how excited they were to have this course and then have this experience,

"Our hope would be for them to completely support themselves dentally."

Every year, dental school students and faculty from the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine organize mission trips to countries like Tonga where they train local dentists, provide free dental care and help to establish dental clinics.

"When we first started going to Tonga, we decided to help expand the vision of the Tongan dentists," said Dr. Brad Smith, dean of the dental school.

Another team from Midwestern University is scheduled to visit Tonga in May next year.