USOSM Commends Dr. Richard Kim for 10 Years of Medical Mission Work in Belize

IRVING, TEXAS (APRIL 25, 2023) … FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE … U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) – a specialty management services company that exclusively serves premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons – congratulates its surgeon partner Richard H. Kim, DDS, MD, as he returns from his 10th annual trip to Belize. During his week-long trip, Dr. Kim and his colleagues provided dental services to people in need, in Ambergris Caye, which is the largest of the 200-plus islands located off the coast of Belize.

“USOSM deeply appreciates the passion Dr. Kim has for helping those in need,” said USOSM President and CEO Richard Hall. “We applaud Dr. Kim’s efforts in Belize and are excited to support the great work that he’s doing there.”

Over the years, Dr. Kim and his colleagues have treated more than 500 patients in Belize. During his most recent trip, Dr. Kim and his colleagues treated more than 50 patients, through two dental clinics: the dental clinic at the Holy Cross Anglican School and the San Pedro Polyclinic.

“We help both children and adult patients with a variety of dental needs,” said Dr. Kim. “In the past, pathologies such as squamous cell carcinoma and osteoblastoma have been identified. Frenectomies and simple soft tissue closure of alveolar clefts also have been performed. This year, the majority of what I did, was the surgical removal of non-restorable and/or infected teeth because the people on the island were not seeing dentists in the past two years, due to COVID-19. I also removed some simple, benign lesions — such as fibromas and papillomas.”

“Many of our patients wouldn’t have received treatment otherwise,” continued Dr. Kim. “It’s truly moving to see the difference that we’re making. It’s always a humbling and rewarding trip for all of us, who volunteer.”

Dr. Kim also is an active volunteer in his community and in other communities in Minnesota. He started volunteering in Belize more than 10 years ago, at the request of the chairman of Minnesota State University’s dental hygiene department. He asked Dr. Kim to lead their group of hygiene staff and students – in conjunction with fellow dentist colleagues and oral surgeons – to “go help the people of Belize.”

“When this opportunity arose, I felt compelled from my upbringing, as a son of a pastor, to answer to this calling,” said Dr. Kim. “Helping people who are in need is a responsibility and an honor.”

A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Kim practices a full-scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures at Southeastern Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice with locations in Mankato, Owatonna, and Rochester, Minnesota. His clinical interests include dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants and anesthesia.

Dr. Kim earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Chicago, his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University Dental School, and his Medical Degree from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. Dr. Kim also completed a comprehensive, six-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program at the Mayo Clinic.

He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. In addition, he is a member of the Minnesota Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Association. Dr. Kim is certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and is a Basic Life Support CPR instructor.

“There are volunteer opportunities available at these two clinics in Belize, throughout the year,” adds Dr. Kim. “It’s a great opportunity to help others and to form lasting relationships with your referring dentists and other colleagues.”

Dental professionals, who are interested in volunteering in Belize, can contact Dr. Mark Johnson, head of the dental clinic at the Holy Cross Anglican School. For more information, visit https://hcefoundation.org/how-tohelp/volunteer.html.