Dr. Andreas Pathe has been involved with Dentists for Africa since its founding in 1999. As a dentist, he collected precious metals himself at his practice, served on multiple missions for DfA in Kenya, and volunteered as the director of the dental project for many years. Today he is retired—but remains actively involved: As a volunteer coordinator, he oversees precious metal donations for Dentists for Africa.
Pathe has witnessed firsthand over many years why this form of support is particularly important to DfA: “It is mainly thanks to precious metal donations from dedicated dental practices that our organization has been able to develop and grow. They have always been a key component in financing our projects.” Dental practices can collect dental gold and other removed dental restorations, which patients donate with their consent. The precious metals contained therein are professionally recovered, and the proceeds benefit the work of Dentists for Africa in Kenya.
More Than Just the Value of the Precious Metal
Pathe sees another benefit to the collection effort. When a practice informs its patients about the option to donate precious metals, it simultaneously raises awareness about the work of Dentists for Africa. “Through the precious metal donation campaign, the mission of Dentists for Africa can be shared with the wider community. This helps us attract interested parties and supporters for our projects—for example, new sponsors.” Social engagement is also beneficial for the practice itself: “I think a practice’s reputation improves when the practice team gets involved in charitable causes.”
What “Impact” Means to Him Personally
When Andreas Pathe looks back on his many years with Dentists for Africa, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a number. He thinks of his own sponsored child: “He was an orphan and had been denied an education. Thanks to Dentists for Africa, his life has changed fundamentally. Today, he’s a teacher and has a family of his own.” Pathe has witnessed such transformations over many years. For him, they’re a reason why it’s worthwhile to encourage dental practices to participate in the precious metals collection.
Questions? Andreas Pathe is here to help
Any dentist or private individual considering collecting precious metals for Dentists for Africa can contact Dr. Andreas Pathe directly. He advises interested parties on a volunteer basis, answers questions about the collection, provides support with the first steps, and sends out informational materials and collection cans. A brief email is all it takes. Dr. Andreas Pathe will respond personally and will be happy to call you if needed.
Contact:
Dr. Andreas Pathe
, Volunteer Coordinator for Precious Metal Donations
, Dentists for Africa e. V.
a.pathe@dentists-for-africa.org