Your Incredible Neighbors: DENTIST WITHOUT BORDERS

GV winter visitor donates services to needy in Mexico

Dr. Fred Kalinoff is a retired dentist who is still working; the Green Valley winter visitor is donating his professional skills to make a difference.

When the chilly days of autumn begin in Stillwater, Minn., Kalinoff heads to Green Valley where, in addition to enjoying the mild winter, he volunteers with LIGA International—Flying Doctors of Mercy to give free dental care at the San Blas Dental Clinic in El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Not only does he volunteer his time and professional expertise, but like other doctors, dentists and medical professionals who volunteer, Kalinoff pays his own expenses.

A 1967 graduate of the University of Minnesota Dental School, he retired from dental practice four years ago and decided to devote some of his time and all of his abilities to helping the needy in Mexico.

“In 1964, I got involved in civil rights issues in Mississippi; it opened my eyes to the oppressed,” Kalinoff said.

Working with LIGA International, a non-profit charitable corporation, he’s been helping hundreds of adults and children as part of a team of medical professionals since November 2003.

Based in Southern California, LIGA International helps those in need of medical, dental and eye care yet cannot afford to pay. Their web site says “plastic surgeons repair cleft lips, cleft palates… long-neglected teeth are filled when possible or removed if necessary; ophthalmologists remove scores of cataracts, glasses are fitted….”

All services are provided at no cost to the patient.

J. Bruce Camino, president of LIGA International said LIGA, in Spanish, means ‘league.’ “The name was created back in the 1930s when missionaries were creating the organization. It was intended to mean a ‘league between the U.S. and Mexico….’ ”

Founded in 1934, LIGA International didn’t begin flying into Mexico until after World War II. “They operate three clinics in the El Fuerte area… there’s a team of doctors, dentists, nurses, surgeons, ophthalmologists… everyone volunteers and pays their own way except the executive secretary,” Kalinoff said.

Charitable pilots pay their own expenses, volunteer their time and private aircraft; the medical professionals share the cost of fuel.

An anesthesiologist and a surgeon from Mexico also donate their services, Kalinoff said.

With dental supplies donated and the dental team visiting once a month October through June, Kalinoff said there are no appointments; those who need dental care sign up and line up on the appointed day to wait their turn.

For the March visit at the San Blas Dental Clinic, he said 95 had signed up to receive free dental care.

He told about a recent visit to a school where over 300 adults and children received care. “We put a sealant on the back teeth of some of the children that prevents decay… we were there for four days. When we left one teacher was crying; he was so touched by us coming down.”

Throughout Kalinoff’s life, different people have inspired him. He told about one woman he met who volunteers her dental services helping the needy in West Virginia. “We’re average everyday people; this is what we do,” he said.

Asked what the rewards and current needs are, he said, “It’s feeling good about what you’re doing; the people we treat are very appreciative; they always say ‘Thank you.’”

Regarding current staffing needs, Kalinoff said LIGA needs family practice doctors, general practitioners, dental assistants and nurses. Medical professionals who would like information on volunteering with LIGA International may contact Dr. Kalinoff at 399-1520, by cell at 651-428-7906 or www.ligainternational.org

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.