Dr. Cheryl Billingsley leads a group of people to the Bland Dental Clinic and Ministry Center every year. Some people drive more than five hours to get treatment at this clinic. Most of the people require extractions and dentures. On Dr. Billingsley's last trip, she extracted over 23 teeth in one day! "This is one of the most fulfilling times of my life. This trip only reiterates that it is better to give than to receive," she said.
The interest for this trip was sparked by one of Dr. Billingsley's instructors of the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Felix Sheppard. Dr. Sheppard had been going on these trips for many years and mentioned the trip to Dr. Billingsley.
Bland County is only a few miles from Bluefield, W.Va. Dental care is in short supply for many of the people. The dental clinic, sponsored by the Southern Baptist Mission Fund, is a renovated garage. Dentists of all denominations volunteer at the clinic throughout the year.
On one of the recent trips, a local farmer delivered a truckload of potatoes. As patients left after their dental treatment, they could fill a bag with potatoes to take home with them.
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We hope to continue this trip for many years. Dr. Billingsley's group from Second Baptist Church and other local churches continues to grow each year.
"Our country has been blessed in so many ways. We need to share our blessings and gifts with other people in the world," said Dr. Billingsley.
Dr. Billingsley invites anyone who is interested to join this mission project. She can be contacted by email at [email protected] or you can look her up on our AAWD Web site — www.womendentists.org — in the member search section.
We thank you, Risé, for your incredible service of 18 months and beyond. These are just a few of the comments we received about you and your selfless gift of time and energy to your grateful organization. Thanks. We owe you!!!
Risé Lyman personifies the energy and enthusiasm of the American Association of Women Dentists and women dentists everywhere. She is one of those people you can always count on to get the job done. She is smart, reliable, dependable, and always a joy to work with. She has spearheaded AAWD into the next century and positioned the organization to "be all that it can be." Risé, congratulations on a great year as president! — Linda Niessen, DMD, past president of AAWD, vice president, clinical education, Dentsply International
Excellent work is a result of maximum effort. Congratulations for producing both during your presidency. — Chris Casciano, vice president-director of marketing, Penn Security Bank and Trust, Silver Level Sponsor of AAWD
Risé has been one of the most incredible leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. Her management style is no nonsense, roll up your sleeves, and get the job done. It is always fun to work with someone like that who has a vision and does what it takes to see that vision realized. Thanks, Risé, for a job more than well done. — Dr. Jean Furuyama, AAWD president-elect
Risé's dedication and love of AAWD has been an inspiration to us. She embodies all the attributes of a great leader and combines that with a true spirit of generosity and friendship. We feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity of working with her and look forward to working with her in moving AAWD forward in the years to come. — Debbie & Sandra Gidley, executive director, Gidley Management Company
I firmly believe in a "divine plan" for life. Certainly that belief was affirmed whenever Dr. Risé Lyman became our president at our greatest crisis moment in recent history. She didn't even wince at the challenge! She just took it on with that "Texas Woman Strength" that I admire so much and got the job done!! I know she had an angel on both shoulders, helping to hold her up, and I am extremely grateful. But I will never forget this awsome woman who was there when AAWD needed her! Thanks, Risé!! — Dr. Mary Martin, past president of AAWD
I was always impressed by the fact that Risé answered the phone for anyone who called AAWD. And, don't forget the huge amount of data that she entered into the directory, the clerical work in printing and sending all the certificates, statements, etc. To top it off, she got all these awesome sponsors!!!! — Dr. Wendy Hupp, AAWD director of academic affairs, ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar in Residence, and director of oral medicine at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Risé is an incredible person. How she managed her wonderful practice while not only taking care of AAWD business, but also building our image and finding a new management company is beyond me. And she always remains cool, collected, and gracious. Thanks a million, Risé. You are the greatest! — Dr. Trucia Drummond, AAWD director of external relations, Lucy Hobbs Taylor Awardee 2003
I would like to say that I knew in my heart and soul that when I brought Risé onto the AAWD board as my nominee for officer track that I had made a good decision. What she has done for AAWD these past 18 months made it a great decision for all women in dentistry. What a true blessing she has been. — Dr. Virginia Hughson-Otte, past president of AAWD, immediate past president SFVDS, council chair on membership for CDA, CDA and ADA delegate to the House.
I stand in awe of Risé and her amazing ability to balance it all. The Steve Winwood song, "Roll with it, Baby" was written about you. God bless you, Risé. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do for AAWD. — Dr. Martha Carr, AAWD Chronicle editor
