From Houghton Lake to Guyana: Ava Lukitsch’s Dental Mission Trip
There’s something meaningful about stepping outside your routine to serve others—especially when that service brings essential care to people who might not otherwise receive it.
For Ava Lukitsch, dental hygienist at Houghton Lake Dental Associates, that calling recently led her to Guyana for a week-long dental mission trip focused on expanding access to care.
A Commitment That Goes Beyond the Office
Ava was part of a team of 33 volunteers from Michigan, Tennessee, and South Carolina who traveled together to serve communities in need. The trip was hosted by the Association of Bible Churches in Guyana, which has supported these outreach efforts for years.
In just one week, the team provided dental care to approximately 536 patients—a powerful reminder of both the need and the impact that a dedicated group can make in a short amount of time.
For Ava, this wasn’t her first experience. This marked her third year participating in the mission, while the group itself has been making the trip annually since 2003. That kind of long-term commitment reflects a deep dedication to service and community.
Expanding Access to Dental Care
In many parts of the world, access to dental care is limited. Routine cleanings, fillings, and preventative education—services many patients rely on here in Northern Michigan—are not always readily available.
Mission trips like this help bridge that gap by providing:
- Preventative dental care
- Treatment for urgent dental issues
- Education on maintaining long-term oral health
These services not only relieve immediate pain but also help patients build healthier habits moving forward.
Bringing That Perspective Back to Houghton Lake
Experiences like Ava’s don’t stay overseas—they shape the way care is delivered back home.
At Houghton Lake Dental Associates, patients benefit from a team that understands dentistry not just as a profession, but as a form of service. Treating hundreds of patients in a short time, often in challenging conditions, brings a renewed sense of purpose and perspective.
It reinforces something simple but important: every patient matters.
Proud to Serve—Here and Abroad
Houghton Lake Dental Associates is proud to have team members like Ava Lukitsch who carry their skills and compassion beyond the office and into communities around the world.
Whether it’s right here in Northern Michigan or across the globe, the mission remains the same—helping people achieve healthier smiles and better lives.
