Serving with Purpose: Dental Day of Caring in Kalamazoo
There’s something powerful about serving your community—meeting people where they are, offering care without strings attached, and reminding them that they matter.
For the past three years, our dental team has participated in the Lisandra Soto Day of Caring in Kalamazoo. Each year, we reinforce why this day has become one of the most meaningful parts of our calendar.
Held in loving memory of Dr. Lisandra Soto, a dedicated and compassionate dentist who served at the Family Health Center, this annual event honors her legacy and dream by continuing the work she cared so deeply about—providing access to dental care for those who need it most in Kalamazoo. Hosted by the Kalamazoo Family Health Center in memory of Dr Lisandra Soto, this annual event offers free dental care to uninsured individuals in our community.
This year, over 250 patients received care ranging from cleanings, extractions, and fillings. Patients leave not just with healthier smiles, but with restored dignity and hope.
Making a Difference, One Smile at a Time
Our entire team was there with hundreds of other volunteers, contributing in meaningful ways—Dr. Mark provided dental treatment, while the others served in roles such as registration, hygiene, and chairside assistance.
I worked in registration, where I was the first face patients saw when they arrived. I helped get them checked in, answered their questions, and reassured those who were nervous. It was fast-paced but gratifying to make patients feel welcome from the moment they walked in the door.
We were fortunate to have translators on-site, ensuring that language barriers didn’t hinder the quality of care. Their presence was essential in helping patients feel understood and heard.
One of the stories that stuck with me this year was from a 27-year-old man who had recently moved to Kalamazoo from Georgia with his young family. He had a painful, broken tooth and heard about the Dental Day of Caring through word of mouth. He signed up without insurance and had limited resources, hoping for relief. After his treatment, he was so grateful—he couldn’t stop thanking the team.
It reminded us how much need exists in our local community and how even a few hours of service can make a lasting impact on someone’s life.
Growing Together Through Giving Back
Community events like this also strengthen our team. Working together outside of our regular practice setting builds camaraderie and trust. We communicate more effectively, support each other, and gain a deeper appreciation for one another’s skills. The best kind of team building happens when we bond through helping others.
Volunteering at this event has also helped develop my leadership skills. Managing patient registration, staying organized, and maintaining calm amid a busy day are all part of the challenge. I’ve grown more confident and resourceful, bringing those qualities back into my office daily.
The Ripple Effect: Beyond Clinical Care
What sticks with us most is how these experiences shape the heart of our office environment.
After each community event, we returned feeling more excited and grounded, grateful for what we had and reenergized about our purpose. We share stories about the people we met and the patients we cared for. Participating in local outreach programs can profoundly enrich your dental practice.
Getting involved in community service allows you to provide essential care to people in need and strengthens your team’s cohesion and morale. By dedicating our time and skills to such initiatives, we enhance the well-being of others and foster a sense of purpose and unity within our team.
Embracing these opportunities as an office manager reminds us that dentistry extends beyond procedures—it’s fundamentally about caring for people.
About the Author
Christine Richardson, FAADOM
Christine (Tina) Richardson is the office manager at Mark E Richardson DDS in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she works alongside her husband, a general dentist. Originally from Battle Creek, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hope College and began her career in neurosurgery, neurology, and trauma care nursing.
After stepping away from nursing to raise their three children, she stayed actively involved in their schools and activities —serving as team mom, room mom, School Support President, etc. When their youngest entered high school, she returned to the workforce as her husband’s dental assistant and now proudly leads the practice as office manager. Dentistry runs in the family, as her husband followed in his father’s footsteps as a second-generation dentist.
She and her husband lived in Chicago during his time at Northwestern University Dental School before settling in Kalamazoo. Together, she and her husband also share a passion for mission work, providing dental care to underserved communities in Honduras.
In addition to her work in dentistry, she volunteers with several local organizations and is always looking for ways to give back. She enjoys reading, traveling the world, and spending time with family and friends.
