In this heartfelt testimonial, Dr. Jay Miller shares his incredible experience volunteering at the DVI Clinic in December 2024. From providing essential care to underserved communities to connecting with fellow professionals, Dr. Miller’s story highlights the profound impact of giving back through dentistry.
“I’m pleased to know that you offer services to adults and children, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, race or any other criterion. Ordinary people suffer enough from what the powerful do, and I recall in scriptures somewhere it says, “The sins of the fathers will be visited upon the children of the third and fourth generations.”
– Anonymous
“The last 15 months have been, to say the least, a very emotional time for Jews all over the world. I have been unable to shake the feeling that Israel and its people are literally sacrificing their loved ones for not only Jews all over the world, but ALL people, everywhere. They are giving so much because they know that they don’t have a choice and that their very survival – and ours – depends on their success.
It was with this thought in mind that I began to consider what could I possibly do as an expression of my gratitude – something more than just words. This led me to seek out an opportunity to visit Israel and to “give something back” – using the skills I possess as a dentist. And then someone suggested DVI.
After solving the logistics, I visited Israel in December, accompanied by my son. Everywhere we went people were actually thanking us for coming to Israel (and for volunteering). Each and every time, this brought tears to my eyes – they had nothing to thank me for; I was the one who was thankful.
I had the pleasure of working at the Trudi Birger Dental Clinic in Jerusalem and was moved by the openness, the strength, the honesty and the compassion of the doctors and staff in the clinic. The patients, most of whom were much older than my usual patient population, as a paediatric dentist in Canada, were so very grateful for the care that they received – something often lacking in the patients I care for at home. Each and every one found a way to say thank you – and I know, without a doubt, that they meant it.
To say that this experience was life-altering is not in any way an exaggeration. It was an experience that I will remember for many years to come as Israel, and its people, continue to defend us ALL. Without hesitation I would encourage you to experience what I did, to give even a little something back. What I gave pales in comparison to what I received – I am grateful to have had the opportunity.” – Dr. Jeffrey Richmond
“I recently volunteered at The Trudi Berger Dental Clinic in Jerusalem as part of Dental Volunteers of Israel (DVI). It was an incredibly meaningful experience for me. I wanted so much to do something to help Israel, especially in light of recent events. Sometimes I would just reflect that I was actually there, after thinking about doing it for a number of years.
Understand that it may take you out of your comfort zone- you have to get adjusted to different equipment and routine. But, after restoring a large carious lesion on your first appreciative patient you feel great. Also, in your free time you get to enjoy exploring one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in the world. ” – Dr. Ken Temple
“Volunteering at DVI has been a highlight of my professional and personal life each year. I look forward to the time that I can spend working with the children.” – Dr. Murray Baruch, AFDVI Board Member & DVI Volunteer
“It’s a fabulous and rewarding experience.”
“I had a great time being in Israel, and helping appreciative kids was a great experience and very fulfilling!”
“I love the clinic staff and the children we treat.”
“Treating the children is a magnificent mitzvah.”
“Don’t think about it. Just do it!”
“Go and have a fab time. I get more out of it than I give.”
“I felt very happy because it was a great opportunity professionally and personally.”
“This was a fantastic experience!”
“A wonderful experience to help those who otherwise would not be receiving any care.”
“Great camaraderie!”
“It was a great experience. Glad I did it!”