After 30 years in private practice, Rick Lines became a contract dentist at SCI Benner Township a year ago this month. He has been a big help to the team at the prison and all of the inmates he has worked with.
But during that time, Rick has also continued mission trips to Haiti, where he provides dental care to many who have never been to a dentist in their lives.
"My first trip was Sept. 2018, and the most recent trip of eight days was my fourth trip," Lines said. "I am providing emergency dental care, extractions, in multiple locations, while also training some local care providers."
The conditions Lines works in usually include no electricity and no running water. He's treated several hundred patients, with less than 10 showing any evidence of prior dental care.
"So, my purpose is to provide care and education for individuals who otherwise have no options while starting to train some local providers to be able to provide care when I am not there," he said.
Lines travels to LaGonave, Haiti, 17 miles off the coast with a population of over 100,000 and an unemployment rate of about 90 percent. He first met a pastor from LaGonave at a conference in April 2018.
As for why he does it, Lines said it comes from his faith.
"I am a Christian believer and had been blessed to have had a couple people who helped me tremendously to start dental school," Lines said. "I truly believe to whom much is given that much is required, and I love meeting new people while being able to give back. As long as I am able, I will continue to empower the people of LaGonave!"