Area dentist honored for Smiles of Hope program

DEXTER, Mo. — The creator of a program which has helped provide $4 million worth of affordable or low cost dental care while helping more than 4,000 patients was honored this past weekend in Dexter.

Dr. Charles Baker challenged area dentists to give back to their community and Smiles of Hope has been the result of that, according to Pastor Tim Russell, of Lighthouse Church, which hosts the program.

A crowd gathered during the monthly dental clinic Saturday morning to honor Baker.

After the monthly breakfast before the dental exams, Russell led a room dedication ceremony with the other dentists to honoring Baker’s strong will and determination.

Baker has practiced dentistry for 30 years and in his retirement, wanted to help local communities with affordable dental care.

“Without Dr. Baker, this program would not exist.” Russell explained. “Eight years ago, Dr. Baker wanted to start a program to help local communities with their dental needs. So, he challenged all the local dentists to not be a part of the problem, but be a part of the solution.”

The program exploded over the past eight years, he said. Starting off in a dental mobile unit, the program outgrew the space and needed a larger location to provide more and more people with dental services. Lighthouse Church opened up for the program in 2010.

“I don’t deserve this recognition but everyone involved.” Baker said. “The people of this church and the dentists that assist are all invaluable to the existence of this program.”

Russell then explained this wasn’t just an opportunity to help the community physically but spiritually, also.

“We feel that the purpose of the program is to put smiles back on people’s faces but to also minister to the community.” Russell explained. “We want to minister to the people of the community and try to show them the love of Christ through our efforts.”

The Smiles of Hope program has been wildly successful and has helped thousands of patients over the eight-year program, according to organizers.

“We have helped thousands of people with their dental needs for a very small price,” said Kevin DeArm, dental minister. “4,124 patients have been worked on, 9,669 teeth have been extracted, and $4 million worth of dental work have been saved by the work done with this program.”

Between 40-50 patients are served at each monthly dental clinic meeting. The dental clinic is open every fourth Saturday.

Before attending, patients must register online or by calling.

Registration costs $20 and each tooth extraction costs $5.

For more information or to register, call 573-621-2793.