Manos de Cristo Volunteer Opportunities

 

A former US Navy officer, Dan Holtzclaw, DDS, is an experienced dental surgeon who has won the Excellence in Research Award from the International College of Dentists Diplomate. Currently, Dan Holtzclaw, DDS, serves as a dental surgeon at the Austin Dental Implant Center. Outside of his professional work, he supports Manos de Cristo Charities.

Manos de Cristo Charities provides crucial services to individuals and families in need. These services include a dental clinic that opened in 1990, as well as adult education classes and basic needs programs.

Manos de Cristo Charities offers a variety of ways for individuals to get involved as volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are separated into general, educational, and dental clinic opportunities for dentists, assistants, and hygienists. General opportunities range from work at the food pantry and clothes closet to landscaping work and ad hoc assistance at events and charity administrative offices. Alternatively, individuals interested in teaching courses in computer literacy, English, and more can volunteer in the educational programs.

Six Tips for Patients Preparing for Dental Surgery

Austin Dental Implant Center head dental surgeon Dan Holtzclaw, DDS, possesses more than 16 years of experience in the dental profession. A graduate with honors from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dan Holtzclaw, DDS, provides a variety of services at his Austin, Texas, clinic such as dental implants and sinus lifts. The following list covers tips for patients preparing to undergo dental surgery.

1. Talk to your dental surgeon. Make a consultation appointment with your dental surgeon to specifically discuss you why you need the surgery, what the procedure will do, healing time, and any potential risks. Prepare a list of questions to ask and remember to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist.

2. Arrange transportation beforehand. Arrange for a friend or family member to transport you to and from the location of your procedure, regardless of whether or not your procedure requires anesthesia or sedation. Some drugs and medication can impair judgment or interfere with your ability to stay focused and make quick decisions while behind the wheel. 

3. Know what to eat and stock up. Procedures that include anesthesia or sedation requires patients to fast before going in for surgery, although patients may eat a light meal if their procedure requires only local anesthesia. Additionally, avoid water for at least eight hours prior to surgery and stock up on soft foods to eat during recovery. 

4. Set time aside for recovery. Give yourself ample time for recovery and prepare your recovery space ahead of time, such as setting up your rest area and putting things to do during recovery within close reach.

5. Wear comfortable clothing. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment and preferably shirts with short sleeves if your procedure requires sedation. Consider wearing clothing you don’t mind getting stained in case of an accidental spill avoid wearing jewelry, make-up, and contact lenses. 

6. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Consumption of alcohol and use of tobacco products may interfere with the healing process. In addition, do not use tobacco products within 12 hours of your procedure and at least 24 hours after.

Types of Dental Implants

Dan Holtzclaw, DDS, is a former naval officer who has been honored with numerous US Navy commendations, including the Achievement Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among others. Currently a dental surgeon at the Austin Dental Implant Center in Texas, Dan Holtzclaw, DDS, maintains a focus on full-mouth dental reconstruction and dental implants.

Dental implants are a small metal foundations or frames that enable replacement teeth to be inserted into the mouth. Surgically imbedded into the jawbone, dental implants offer many benefits including improved aesthetics, speech, and comfort, as well as easier eating and better oral health. Dental implants can be found in two types.

Endosteal implants are surgically fixed to the jawbone with posts that rise through the gum line. These posts are added after the initial operation. Artificial teeth can then be mounted to the posts. The second form of dental implant is the Subperiosteal implant, which also includes a metal frame fixed to the jawbone. However, this form of implant has posts already attached to the frame.