Stepping out of the familiar comfort of Gilbert, Arizona, Dr. Joy Brauer embarked on a life-changing adventure with her three daughters—Lexi, Lily, and Juliana—into the heart of Guatemala. Their mission was to bring smiles and relief through volunteer dental care to children in desperate need, and they were deeply thankful for the opportunity to make a positive impact.
The journey began with a small team: five dedicated dentists, two dental hygienists, and seven laypeople, all gathered in the charming city of Antigua, Guatemala. The volunteer trip was organized by Global Dental Relief, which provides free dental care to children around the globe. After two days of preparation, they traveled to San Miguel, a humble town in the southeast. There, they transformed a community center into an impromptu dental clinic. With sterilized instruments and water provided by the local fire department, the team got to work.
Children from nearby schools were bused in to receive dental treatment—many for the first time. "Seeing the gratitude in the eyes of these children was a reminder of why we were there—why we left the comforts of home and came to serve," Dr. Brauer said. "We are so thankful for this opportunity to give back." The patience and cooperation of these children were astounding, given the anxiety that often comes with dental visits. The team provided silver fillings, extractions, sealants, and cleanings, all without the luxury of modern comforts. They felt incredibly thankful to be able to provide care to those who might not otherwise have access to it.
One poignant moment came when Dr. Brauer mentioned to a group leader her surprise at the children's cooperation. The leader responded, "The only other option for dental care is to have a tooth taken out by a relative in their backyard without anesthetic." This stark reality deepened their sense of purpose.
The days were long, yet the rewards were immeasurable. Dr. Brauer was thankful for the incredible team effort. She worried if Juliana, only 13, could work those long hours, but she did amazingly well. The girls rotated through layperson roles: dental assistant, fluoride applicator, and translator. Lexi, the oldest, ended up being a fantastic asset as a translator, using her Spanish skills. Lily was always a great team player, willing to fill in wherever needed.
By the end of the week, the team treated 595 patients, delivering $157,745 worth of dental care in five days. Reflecting on the week’s success, Dr. Brauer thought, "Not a bad way to make an impact."
It wasn’t all work. At the end of the mission, they headed back to Antigua for a thrilling day of zip-lining. Not a fan of heights, Dr. Brauer opted to hike Pacaya Volcano instead—a rare moment of peace after bustling days. She was thankful for the opportunity to experience Guatemala's beauty with her daughters.
As they boarded their flight back to Arizona, Dr. Brauer reflected on what she hoped her daughters would take away from the adventure. She wanted them to understand how blessed they were to live in a country with abundant opportunities. She hoped they saw the power of giving back, of making a real difference in the lives of others. Most of all, she hoped they had created memories that would forever be etched in their hearts, just as they were in hers.
While Dr. Joy Brauer's commitment to serving communities abroad is admirable, she remains dedicated to caring for smiles closer to home at her practice Joyful Smiles by Dr. Joy Brauer, a division of Seville Family Dentistry. Her experiences abroad have only deepened her passion for providing excellent dental care to patients of all ages in Gilbert.
"Seeing the gratitude in the eyes of these children was a reminder of why we were there—why we left the comforts of home and came to serve."