Dr. Quincy Attipoe's journey to the West began just like any other person's: the desire to have full access to modern technology in the field of dentistry and, in turn, share that knowledge with both the Ghanaian community in the United States of America and Ghanaians based in their homeland.

Dr. Attipoe's desire to help the poor and the underprivileged was one of the reasons he chose to become a dental practitioner, and those who know him can attest to this fact. I have known Dr. Attipoe for more than 20 years, and he truly is a gentleman, a man with a passion for God and his fellow human beings. The intrinsic values that God has given him, in addition to his training as a dentist, as well as his fiery yearning to lend a helping hand wherever he could, have made Dr. Attipoe the man to see in the Dallas, Texas, area for dental care.

A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Attipoe has profound knowledge of both dentistry and dental technology. Named the Best-of-Best in Prosthodontics at the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Attipoe was the first black student to become the Waterpik Technologies recipient of this highly esteemed award in Prosthodontics.

Beyond all of his personal achievements is a man with a vision to transform dentistry in Ghana. Plagued by a lack of modern equipment and supplies, dental care in Ghana has been on the decline for several decades, culminating in little or no dental care for those in small towns and villages across the length and breadth of the nation. As a harbinger of great things to come, Dr. Attipoe's visit to, and interaction with the staff of, the dental department at Keta Hospital in February 2008, and his subsequent donation of medical and dental supplies, ought to be applauded.

Dr. Attipoe, in fulfilling a pledge to return to Ghana to lend his services to the poor and the underprivileged in many rural communities, did so in May 2009, under the auspices of the Believers' House of Worship International, a Ghana-based Christian ministry, led by Rev. Abraham Lamptey. The villages that Dr. Quincy Attipoe and his team visited during the six-week sojourn included Asan Ekura, Ahuntem and Larteh Ekura, all near Nsawam. Services rendered – not one person was charged a cedi! – included dental screenings; extractions; surgical procedures, like incision and drainage services; fillings; and oral hygiene instructions. Additionally, Dr. Attipoe and his team donated a large supply of clothing to the impoverished residents of the aforementioned communities. Dr. Attipoe's next trip to Ghana is planned for January 2010. Any medical or dental practitioner, or even a lay person, interested in assisting Dr. Attipoe's team in the future should contact Dr. Attipoe directly.

A visit with Dr. Attipoe in Dallas, Texas, will reveal an ultra-modern dental facility filled with state-of-the-art equipment. The office holds intra-oral cameras for a quick diagnosis (the patient sees what the doctor sees), the environment is very relaxing, and there is free nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm anxious patients. For those lacking a working knowledge of the English language, a problem some Ghanaians face in the United States of America, Dr. Attipoe will gladly explain the pertinent issues in one of our Ghanaian languages. And not only is Dr. Attipoe attentive and caring, he has a staff of distinguished and dedicated workers willing to make your visit a memorable one.

So, for those living in Dallas, Texas, or its environs, you now have a fellow Ghanaian who wants to become your dentist. Please visit Dr. Attipoe's Web site www.amazinggracedentistry.com for further information. Additionally, those domiciled in the Dallas, Texas, area can reach Dr. Attipoe's office via (972) 238-5000 or (972) 238-5003. You may also follow Dr. Attipoe on his blog at http://smiledoctorq.blogspot.com/2009/11/mini-dental-implants.html, where he explains the benefits of modern dental implants.

I call on my fellow Ghanaians to display genuine patriotism by embracing Dr. Attipoe's work and supporting his plans to provide dental care to the poor in Ghana, as this dentist's efforts are an inspiration to all of us in the Diaspora. Many of us in the Dallas, Texas, area can make it possible for Dr. Attipoe to continue his altruistic work in Ghana, by choosing him as our dentist. Without a doubt, it will be very gratifying for many of us to know that a dollar out of our pockets has gone to assist fellow Ghanaians in need, people unable to pay for basic dental care.

The writer, Daniel K. Pryce, holds a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University, U.S.A. He is a member of the national honor society for public affairs and administration in the U.S.A. He can be reached at dpryce@cox.net.