Chanku Waste Ranch Dental Hygiene Mission Report
Serving on the Wellness Team at the Chanku Waste Ranch in South Dakota this year has been a year of seeing answered prayers and blessings. As per usual on this mission trip, I believe I received far more than I gave. God is so good. Serving on the Ranch as a Dental Hygienist provided me an opportunity to care for those who lack availability to proper dental care due to logistics or financial reasons. I was blessed to see kids from the camp during the week as well as people around the area from Pine Ridge. I could see growth in the patients I’ve seen over the past two years in the following ways: reduced fear and anxiety regarding what to expect with treatment, and increased knowledge in how to care for their own oral health. Many knew all the right answers regarding proper care. One even asked for another toothbrush due to theirs being lost but promised they would do better now that they have a toothbrush again. :-) Seeing sealants and other dental work that had previously not been done, we are making a difference! I had the privilege of seeing adult patients from Pine Ridge and the surrounding area to hear the excitement they have about sharing their culture and future. How appreciative they were to have care provided to them. I was able to make connections in the community this year and can’t wait to go back to reconnect. As I was leaving, I learned a new word for goodbye in Lakota: Toksa akhe (See You Later!). I look forward to seeing my new friends later in 2026. I was able to meet and work with a dentist from Rapid City who had a beautiful heart for the people and kids there, as well as hear the news of additional dentists and hygienist volunteers coming in September and October. I was also able to meet a college student who is from Pine Ridge and is working at the Wellness Center learning dental assisting. Seeing her joy in learning new skills reminds me of my hope to one day no longer be needed because the clinic will be receiving care from those at the reservation. Until that day comes, if you are in the dental field and would like to participate, please let me know. There will be a meeting to discuss next year's trip on October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Franny, the local stuffed animal comforter, will be waiting for us at the ranch. Thank you for your prayers and continued prayers for the upcoming year.
Debbie Griffith
Franny
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