Giving Back
For Madison, Alabama dentist Dr. Laurentis Barnett, an expression can often communicate more powerfully than words. This became strikingly clear through the tears and countenance of a Haitian father whose teenage daughter was one of Dr. Barnett’s dental patients. When he’s not leading operations at his practice, Divine Expressions Family Dentistry in Madison, Alabama, Dr. Barnett spends his time giving back by providing free dental care in Haiti—a commitment he’s upheld for the past eight years. His most recent visit, undertaken with members of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Nashville, Tennessee, involved spending time with children at a school he funds in LaFond, as well as four days of donated dentistry in the coastal city of Petit-Goâve.
During this trip, Dr. Barnett, a 2015 Incisal Edge 40 Under 40 honoree, provided care to over 500 dental patients, offering services ranging from extractions and cleanings to fillings and root canals. He recalls a particularly impactful encounter with a 15-year-old girl who had walked three hours in her Sunday best to receive dental care. Severely ill, she was given food and IV fluids before her dental treatment could begin. The joy of seeing her return the following year, healthy and ready for more dental work, was immense. Her father’s gratitude, expressed through his tears, affirmed the impact of Dr. Barnett’s mission. In addition to his dental outreach, Dr. Barnett channels donations from his patients to Haiti, including toys, eyeglasses, clothing, and food, making a real difference in the lives of many. The glowing 5-star reviews for Divine Expressions Family Dentistry attest to the dedication and compassion that Dr. Barnett extends to his patients, both at home and abroad.
Haiti
Imagine the agony of enduring a toothache without the means to seek treatment, or the despair of being unable to feed a hungry child. Picture the helplessness of not having funds or transportation to acquire essential medicines for a sick child. This is the harsh reality for many in Haiti, a situation that Dr. Barnett seeks to alleviate through his annual missions to the country. Each year, he travels to Haiti once or twice, providing crucial dental and nutritional services to those suffering from poor health due to inadequate dental care and malnutrition. But his efforts don’t stop there. Dr. Barnett also funds a school located high in the mountains of La Fond, where over 300 students receive both education and meals. For many, the food provided at this school represents their only meals, highlighting the significance of Dr. Barnett’s contribution to their lives.
Guatemala
Dr. Barnett is committed to easing the suffering of those living in Guatemala, where lack of access to dental care and basic necessities is a harsh reality for many. His annual missions to the country provide essential dental services and nutritional support to those most in need. Beyond healthcare, Dr. Barnett also funds a school which provides education and meals to students, for many of whom this is their only source of sustenance. His contributions significantly improve the lives of these individuals.
Giving Back to the Community
As an integral part of our community, we actively participate in volunteer work and provide financial support to several local programs. Our involvement spans across different sectors, including education and sports. We are proud supporters of the Sparkman High School Football team, contributing to the nurturing of young talent and fostering a spirit of teamwork. We also uphold educational excellence through our partnership with Rainbow Elementary School, providing resources to enhance learning experiences. In addition, we back the Hazel Green High School’s Basketball Booster, promoting physical fitness and competitive spirit among students. Our care extends to the youngest members of our community too, as evidenced by our care bag donation to the kindergarten class at Julius R. Scruggs CDA. Lastly, we are staunch supporters of Freedom Day, commemorating the values that bind us as a community by giving free dental work to military and veterans on Freedom Day..
How to help by Giving Back
There are many ways in which you can help our practice give back by reaching abroad and helping those less fortunate. For more information on how YOU can help email us at info@divineexpressions.com or call our office at 256-837-1200