Hayden Lake Adventist Church Holds Free Dental Clinic

By Annie Morgan

Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church

The Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist church was filled with excitement in late June as over 200 Kootenai County residents came to receive free dental services, including cleanings, check-ups, fillings and extractions provided by 13 dentists and 5 dental hygienists.

This large scale dental clinic was provided through the generous leadership and equipment offered by Randy Meyers of Caring Hands International, an Adventist ministry dedicated to improving the dental health of those in need by partnering with churches to strengthen communities throughout the western United States and remote countries. Caring Hands works to better lives through access to dental care in rural communities, providing quality services without charge to the patients who receive care.

Those who received dental care at this event expressed deep gratitude. “I’ve waited years to have this work done,” shared one patient. Others shared of their gratitude for the wonderful services provided.

As part of the dental clinic, participants were invited to attend an on-site health expo directed by Pedro Naranjo and highlighting God’s eight laws of health. These eight laws are precepts that help a person achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

Denise Beatty, a local member at Hayden Lake, first brought this wonderful opportunity to the attention of our church and encouraged us to host the event. In God’s providence, doors opened and many volunteers were available at just the time we needed them. We are thankful for these blessings and for Lorraine Gabriel, our local health ministries leader, who guided the project from start to finish. Over 100 volunteers put their heart into this powerful ministry.

“The dental clinic was a first-time event for our church. We ran into obstacles that only God could solve,” said Gabriel. “On the first day we needed somebody that knew how to do digital x-rays and the Lord sent a lady from the community that came and helped us all day. We started out with a budget that grew three times in size but the Lord provided the funds. The dental clinic is a way to reach people’s hearts to know that there is a living God.”

Dr. Scott Johnson, a member of the North Idaho dental community, was among those providing care. “It was pleasure to give back in the form of a free dental clinic,” he shared. “It was gratifying to see all the smiles of appreciation that were expressed throughout the weekend here at the Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was inspiring to see dentists and hygienists gather together for a weekend of service to others who may be less fortunate.”

David Morgan, pastor of the Hayden Lake Church, shared the impact the event had on the community. “It was amazing to witness how a church congregation came together and ministered to the dental and spiritual needs of over 200 people,” said Morgan. 

Not only did patrons receive dental care, but they also received love and genuine care from over 100 volunteers who prayed with them, shared books, and personally encouraged them in simple ways to improve their health.



Photo credit: Lindsay Gruwell, Lindsay Gruwell Photography