Empowering the Cancer Journey: (un)cancer's Oral Care Products for Patients
In the labyrinth of cancer treatment, finding solace amidst the challenges can be daunting. However, (un)cancer stands as a guiding light, offering support and solutions to navigate the often turbulent voyage through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Founded by Dr. Abida Taher, an oncologist, and Dr. Robyn Lesser, a pediatric dentist, (un)cancer is a platform meticulously crafted to empower individuals negotiating the complex landscape of cancer. It's not just a brand; it's a beacon of hope for cancer patients and caregivers alike. At its core, (un)cancer is devoted to prioritizing life over disease, fostering resilience, and providing invaluable assistance through products and services designed to alleviate the daily trials faced during the cancer journey.
In the labyrinth of cancer treatment, finding solace amidst the challenges can be daunting. However, (un)cancer stands as a guiding light, offering support and solutions to navigate the often turbulent voyage through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Founded by Dr. Abida Taher, an oncologist, and Dr. Robyn Lesser, a pediatric dentist, (un)cancer is a platform meticulously crafted to empower individuals negotiating the complex landscape of cancer. It's not just a brand; it's a beacon of hope for cancer patients and caregivers alike. At its core, (un)cancer is devoted to prioritizing life over disease, fostering resilience, and providing invaluable assistance through products and services designed to alleviate the daily trials faced during the cancer journey.
One of the pivotal aspects of (un)cancer's support arsenal is its line of oral care products specifically curated for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Understanding the significant toll cancer therapy can take on oral health, (un)cancer introduced three essential kits tailored to address oral side effects and promote better oral well-being during and after treatment.
1. Oral Care (Essential) Kit:
This comprehensive kit comprises seven science-backed products meticulously designed to optimize oral health before, during, and after cancer treatment. From toothpaste and floss to soothing mouth rinse and dry mouth candies, this ensemble aims to mitigate oral side effects while maintaining oral hygiene. By incorporating these products into everyday oral care routines, individuals can find relief from treatment-related oral discomfort and enhance their overall well-being.
2. Oral Care Dry Mouth Kit:
Dealing with dry mouth, a common side effect of cancer treatment, can be arduous. The Dry Mouth Kit from (un)cancer includes three products - soothing mouth rinse, lip balm, and dry mouth candies - specifically formulated to alleviate mucosal irritation and stimulate saliva production. Incorporating this kit into daily oral care routines offers respite from the discomfort caused by dry mouth, ensuring a more comfortable experience during and post-treatment.
3. OC Sensitive Teeth Kit:
Tooth sensitivity is another challenge that cancer patients often face during treatment. The OC Sensitive Teeth Kit comprises four products - floss, toothpaste, toothbrush, and remineralization gel - aimed at alleviating tooth sensitivity and aiding in rebuilding a healthy oral cavity. This kit offers an effective way to manage tooth sensitivity during treatment, enabling individuals to reclaim their everyday lives with greater ease.
Each of these kits is not just a collection of products; it's a lifeline for individuals navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. (un)cancer's commitment to providing holistic support through scientifically formulated oral care products underscores its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and caregivers.
For anyone on the cancer journey, incorporating (un)cancer's oral care kits into their daily routine can make a substantial difference. By addressing oral health challenges proactively, (un)cancer empowers individuals to face treatment-related hurdles with resilience and confidence, ensuring a more comfortable and empowered journey towards recovery and survivorship.
My Interview With The Black Doctor's Podcast
I recently sat with Dr. Steven Bradley, host of The Black Doctor’s Podcast where I shared my journey to becoming an Orthodontist, practice owner, entrepreneur, founder of UnOrthoDoc Candle Co. and co-founder of Dental Helping Hands.
I recently sat with Dr. Steven Bradley, host of The Black Doctor’s Podcast where I shared my journey to becoming an Orthodontist, practice owner, entrepreneur, founder of UnOrthoDoc Candle Co. and co-founder of Dental Helping Hands.
Dr. Bradley describes his podcast as being health and wellness for the culture. Interviews with leading minority professionals of this current generation where you hear how they overcame adversity to attain their goals. Dr. Bradley is inspired by the excellence represented by his peers who have overcome so many incredible obstacles to reach the pinnacle of success. His podcast provides an avenue to organize these stories for others to listen and learn from. Discussions had are mainly on medical ethics and culturally competent care with the goal of improving health outcomes and combatting healthcare disparities.
To hear my interview with him, click the image below:
As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, we are thrilled to share the story of Dr. Patrice Smith, aka "The UnOrthoDoc". As a Howard University College of Dentistry trained Orthodontist, she has done an amazing job of excelling in her field while broadening her own horizons. In addition to opening her own practice, Dr. Smith also launched her own boutique candle line. She also manages a successful blog: The UnOrthoDoc
In this episode, she talks about her pathway to the field of dentistry and her experiences at Howard. She also shares her passion for helping others that are less fortunate through the non-profit organization she started called, Dental Helping Hands. We really enjoyed speaking with Dr. Smith and we know you are going to LOVE this episode.
Dr. Steven Bradley is a board-certified anesthesiologist and medical ethicist with a passion for mentorship and increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce. As an assistant professor of anesthesiology, he combines his practice of medicine with educating medical students and resident physicians.
As the host and creator of The Black Doctors Podcast, Dr. Bradley interviews minority professionals in a variety of career paths. Each episode provides encouragement and motivation for listeners. Candid and transparent conversations enable listeners to identify with and be inspired by guests on the show.
Find the The Black Doctors Podcast on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or on Dr. Bradley’s website. Show your support by subscribing and leaving a 5 star review!
My First Podcast Experience
It was an honor being a guest on The Dental Diaries Podcast with Dr. Jessica Emery and a great way to experience my first podcast interview. In the episode we discussed my multi-passionate nature which includes Philanthropic projects, Candle Making, Blogging and Orthodontics - lending to the name The UnorthoDoc.
Last year I considered starting a podcast after getting several requests from readers to implement an audio version of my posts so they could listen on their commute to work or while at the gym. The requests came with a lot of excitement because it was proof that people were reading my blog posts and found them valuable enough to want to listen. I showed the emails to my husband and like the supportive person he is, he immediately took to the internet to research and compare podcasting equipment. Within a week I was fully equipped with a microphone and headset along with a wealth of knowledge about podcasting platforms. I even subscribed to a few newsletters that offered information on starting and building a podcast. We recorded my first episode and I remember disliking the sound of my voice. Feeling discouraged I decided not to publish the recording and instead took a break with hopes of picking it back up later. As we know, time goes by quickly and I realized almost a year had passed.
It would be February 2020 before the idea of podcasting came up again. I had a format, a layout of topics to discuss and a short list of initial guests. After realizing how much work was required I once again put it down and expressed to my husband that my desire was to just be a guest on others’ podcast rather than have my own.
As the Universe would have it, about two months later I was contacted by Dr. Jessica Emery. If you’ve never heard of her, she is the owner of two 7-figure dental practices in Chicago (Sugar Fix Dental Loft and WhiteHaute) and is the creative genius of Dental Soiree, a Boutique Digital Dental Marketing Agency where she helps other dental professionals brand and market their businesses. She is literally a Jill of all trades and one of the very few people that I truly admire and thinks of as #goals.
During our conversation she mentioned she had been watching me on social media and was impressed with my endeavors and wanted us to chat. She then mentioned that she would be airing our conversation on The Dental Diaries, her podcast . This would be my first podcast appearance.
It was an honor to chat with her and a great way to experience my first podcast interview. In the episode we discussed my multi-passionate nature which includes Philanthropic projects, Candle Making, Blogging and Orthodontics - lending to the name The UnorthoDoc.
Click below to listen to the episode or search for The Dental Diaries on Apple podcast, Spotify or other podcasting platforms.
Jamaica: Dental Helping Hands
The DHH team was in Jamaica recently where over 500 patients received essential and life changing dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.
The DHH team was in Jamaica recently where over 500 patients received essential and life changing dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.
Our latest mission took us to St. Ann, Jamaica in the town of Cascade, where Dr. Patrice Smith, her husband Dr. Reginald Baker, Dr. Mark Edwards (Dean of The University of Technology College of Dentistry), Curtis Foster, RDH and a team of 11 dental students from The University of Technology College of Dentistry (UTech COD) and 20 dental hygiene students from Northern Caribbean University (NCU) rendered dental treatment to over 500 patients.
The Dream Team - 3 doctors, 1 RDH, 11 dental students and 20 dental hygiene students
The mission took place at Cascade Primary School
A steady flow of patients waiting to be registered
Dr. Mark Edwards performing extraction procedure of a badly decayed tooth
The DHH team spent a total of 8 hours in Cascade and rendered essential dental care ranging from simple extractions, surgical extractions, dental prophylaxis (cleanings) and scaling & root planing. Patients also received fluoride treatment, toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to continue at home dental care.
Dr. Baker performing examination
Dr. Smith with UTech dental student as anesthesia is being administered
We always aim is to empower and support the communities we serve by partnering with local dental professionals to share knowledge. By providing communities with education on preventative measures to improve dental health, we honor, support and empower those with less and assist them in becoming self-sufficient. One of our goals is to focus on preventative education while providing patients with a safe environment for necessary care.
Our trip was a success. Exactly 507 individuals received much needed dental care. A huge part of our team’s success stems from individuals like yourself who see a need and donate either time, supplies or money. These donations go a very long way in the lives of the people we serve.
The DHH team is on a mission to not only improve the dental health but the overall quality of life of the lives we come in contact with . We will continue our mission to serve and provide these communities with much needed dental services.
If you would like to join us or donate to our cause, visit our website www.dentalhelpinghands.org and follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
Dental Helping Hands: Who We Are
Dental Helping Hands is a non-profit organization that provides dental health services to underserved communities in developing countries. It all started when three classmates of Howard University College of Dentistry decided they wanted to give back. The group consists of an Oral Surgeon, an Orthodontist and a General Dentist with the heart to share their talents with the world. T
Dental Helping Hands is a non-profit organization that provides dental health services to underserved communities in developing countries.
It all started when three classmates of Howard University College of Dentistry decided they wanted to give back. The group consists of an Oral Surgeon, an Orthodontist and a General Dentist with the heart to share their talents with the world. They volunteer their time and travel to different countries to provide free dental services such as, cleanings, extractions, restorations, treat abscesses and cleft lip and palate repair. Our aim is to empower and support the communities we serve by partnering with local dental professionals to share knowledge. By providing communities with education on preventative measures to improve dental health, we honor, support and empower those with less and assist them in becoming self-sufficient.
Discover your reasons to volunteer
The reasons that people decide to volunteer can be very personal. For some it might be a desire to give back to a world that has provided them with great advantages. For others, there is a longing for an experience quite removed from their day-to-day routine. There are those who simply identify a need or problem and are determined to be part of a solution. Many are drawn by an interest in traveling to new places, meeting new people, and doing something worthwhile at the same time.
From a strictly professional standpoint, short-term humanitarian dental service projects usually have one or two objectives. One is to meet the urgent emergency oral-health needs of a specific group of people—such as a village, a congregation at a site of worship, or a group of local children or orphans. Another objective is to provide education about dental health to similar groups of people.
It is quite common to hear those who have participated in a volunteer project describe it as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. From a strictly professional standpoint, short-term humanitarian dental service projects usually have one or two objectives.
One is to meet the urgent emergency oral-health needs of a specific group of people—such as a village, a congregation at a site of worship, or a group of local children or orphans. Another objective is to provide education about dental health to similar groups of people. There is certainly a considerable sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with using your unique skills to help others—and doing so under less than ideal circumstances.
Many returning volunteers feel that they have gained much more than they have given because they have attained a greater understanding of different cultures and regions of the world. In sharing their knowledge and ability, they have been able to alleviate suffering caused by dental disorders and they have made new friends in the process.
I hope this inspires you to do something kind for someone, volunteer in your respective communities and perhaps sign up to be a volunteer or even a donor of our organization, Dental Helping Hands. Visit our website to volunteer or donate dentalhelpinghands.org and follow us on Instagram.
Tanzania: Dental Helping Hands
Our latest mission took us to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Dr. Patrick Christopher (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery resident and President of our non-profit Organization) and a team of other surgeons and volunteers performed life saving and life altering surgeries for individuals who were in dire need.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.
Our latest mission took us to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Dr. Patrick Christopher (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery resident and President of our non-profit Organization) and a team of other surgeons and volunteers performed life saving and life altering surgeries for individuals who were in dire need.
The DHH team spent four days in Tanzania and performed trauma surgeries, cleft lip & palate repair, facial reconstruction, keloid repair, and tumor removals.
Tumors on right side of patient’s face
Patient prepped and ready for tumor removal surgery
Our trip was a success. Seven (7) individuals in dire need of care were able to receive life altering surgeries at no cost. A huge part of our team’s success stems from individuals like yourself who see there’s a need and donate either time, supplies or money. These donations go a very long way in the lives of the people we serve.
In 2019 we will continue our mission to serve and provide these communities with much needed dental services. Services we typically offer include dental cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals, and even surgical intervention. We provide education and supplies to help maintain their oral health long after we are gone.
Please help us continue to serve the underserved by donating to our non-profit here.
Ghana: Dental Helping Hands
Earlier this year the DHH team was in Ghana where over 3000 patients received essential and life saving dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment
Earlier this year the DHH team was in Ghana where over 5000 patients received essential and life saving dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.
Our latest mission took us to Tamale, Ghana on the continent of Africa, where Dr. Rasheeda Johnson and a team of other dental specialists and volunteers rendered dental treatment to over 5000 patients!
The DHH team spent four days in Tamale. On day one approximately 1000 patients registered and received essential dental care ranging from extractions, restorations (fillings), dental cleanings and minor surgery. Individuals of all age ranges were seen including children! For the next three days over 4000 patients received dental treatment, were given shoes, toothbrushes, toothpaste and even laptop computers.
Day one: 1000 patients registered and waiting for dental treatment
Patients seated and waiting their turn for dental treatment
Dr. Rasheeda Johnson and the kids after educating them all on proper hygiene and brushing habits. All the kids received fluoride treatment and a supply toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Dr. Rasheeda Johnson with some of the elders of the community
Dr. Rasheeda Johnson hard at work extracting this gentleman's severely decayed tooth.
Dr. Rasheeda Johnson loves the kids!
“If we want to change the world, we must first develop a bright future for the children”
In four days the DHH team delivered dental care to over 5000 patients! In addition to that over 500 pairs of shoes were donated, 250 toothbrushes distributed, and three University students received a laptop to help with their studies.
The DHH team is on a mission to not only improve the dental health but the overall quality of life of the lives we come in contact with .
If you would like to join us or donate to our cause, visit our website www.dentalhelpinghands.org and follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
Sudan: Dental Helping Hands
The DHH team was recently in Sudan where over 700 patients received essential and life saving dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment
The DHH team was recently in Sudan where over 700 patients received essential and life saving dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. The founders of the organization have a solid mission of giving back to people of our respective communities and countries.
Our latest mission took us to Sudan on the continent of Africa, where Dr. Patrick Christopher (4th yr OMFS resident) was born and raised. Over a couple days Dr. Christopher was able to visit different cities like Khartoum and Kassala where approximately 700 individuals received dental treatment ranging from extractions (surgical and non-surgical), restorations (fillings), dental cleanings and other surgical intervention.
Dr. Christopher performing extraction of a native woman in pain from tooth decay
Dr. Christopher performing necessary preventive care.
Dr. Christopher and craniofacial team performing a cleft lip and palate repair
Dr. Christopher anesthetizing patient before performing extraction of abscessed tooth
Dr. Christopher performing multiple extractions on a 9 year old.
“Oral healthcare in many developing nations is unfortunately limited to major cities or the upper class. This 9 year old was one of the kids we treated in a rural Sudan city with multiple extractions. As Maxillofacial surgery residents, we have an uncontrollable itch to do major head & neck surgical cases but sometimes it’s the “simple” cases that are worth breaking your neck and back for...literally. ”
Of course, no mission trip is complete without spending time and enjoying the local life. When Dr. Christopher wasn't working, he could be found sight seeing and hanging out with the locals.
Photos below are for your viewing pleasure. Sudan, uncut.
If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer and/ or donate, visit our website www.dentalhelpinghands.org. Also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
NPO's & Service to Humanity
"Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." - Marian Wright Edelman
I consider myself fortunate and I am honored to be in a position where I can help those that may
"Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." - Marian Wright Edelman
I consider myself fortunate and I am honored to be in a position where I can help those that may not be as fortunate as myself. As a child my parents instilled in me fundamental values of humility and respect for everyone regardless of his/her position or place in this world. Whether its is janitor, the postman or the CEO of a fortune 500 company - they all get the same level of respect and attention. It is with those values that were instilled and remains engrained in me that I feel an obligation to help those in need and give back to society some of which is gained. This is the reason I participate in many community service projects, I volunteer as a dental professional and otherwise, and it is the reason I am co-founder of the non-profit organization Dental Helping Hands.
Three classmates of Howard University of Dentistry decided they wanted to give back. The group consists of an Oral Surgeon, an Orthodontist and a General Dentist with the heart to share their talents with the world. They volunteer their time and travel to different countries to provide free dental services such as extractions, restorations, treat abscesses and cleft lip and palate repair.
I hope this inspires you to do something kind for someone, volunteer in your respective communities and perhaps sign up to be a volunteer or even a donor of our organization Dental Helping Hands. Visit our Instagram page and connect with us. Website is under construction.