Dr. Christoph Herzog has already served four times as a volunteering dentist for Dentists for Africa in western Kenya. Today, in his own practice, he collects dental gold and other precious metals for DfA. He explains why these two things are directly linked for him—and why he also encourages his colleagues to offer their patients this simple way to help.
He undertook his first voluntary assignment in 2016, followed by three more. Over the years, he has been able to witness firsthand how dental care in the region has evolved. “I know how well the money is put to use. I’ve seen firsthand the impact and effect that this support has on the ground.”
For example, if a gold crown is removed in his practice, Herzog first explains that the patient is, of course, welcome to take the material home. Those who do not wish to keep it can leave it at the practice and donate it.
In the waiting room, Herzog doesn’t just display the certificate about the precious metals collection. There’s also his own report on one of his missions in Kenya—printed in A3 format. The patients read it. And they ask him about it: “That’s such a great project. Oh, were you actually there yourself?” Some have even thanked him for his commitment. Others remember old dentures that have long been sitting at home and bring them to the office: “I’ll donate these.” For Herzog, his personal experience makes all the difference. He can tell his patients not just about a project, but about what he himself experienced during his four missions.
Ten Years Later: A Lasting Impact
Precisely because Herzog has returned to Western Kenya time and again since 2016, he has been able to track developments over a longer period of time. One experience from the school visits—where teams of volunteers and local staff travel to schools in rural western Kenya, conduct preventive care training, and examine hundreds of schoolchildren, providing free treatment when needed—particularly illustrates to him what dental care can mean in the long term. “During the school visits, it dawned on me: Ten years ago, I placed fillings there. If I hadn’t done that, those teeth would have continued to deteriorate. The children from back then are young adults today—and in the best-case scenario, they still have those teeth.”
One package a year—it hardly takes any effort
The precious metal collection itself is also straightforward for Herzog. The material is collected at the practice and later sent to Dentists for Africa: “The only effort involved is sending it to DfA. Packing a small package once a year—that’s really all there is to it.” You have to discuss with patients anyway what should happen to the removed dental work. Pointing out the donation option in addition to that requires hardly any extra effort. And even small quantities aren’t a reason for Herzog to rule it out: “If it’s collected and sent to the right place, it can make a difference right away.” He therefore advises his colleagues to offer this option to their patients in the first place: “Definitely do it. I believe many patients are willing to donate. You just have to reach out to them and offer the opportunity.”
And to the people who have already donated their old gold, Herzog wants to say one thing above all: “I’d like to thank everyone who has donated their old gold. By doing so, they’ve made a great deal possible for dentistry in Kenya and have made an important contribution to advancing the projects of Dentists for Africa.”
Collect precious metals through your practice or donate as a private individual: Dental practices can easily collect dental gold and other dental restorations containing precious metals for Dentists for Africa. We provide a collection box, information for patients, and the necessary documentation. Dr. Andreas Pathe answers questions, helps practices get started, and is also available to speak with individuals.