Chris Macri’s Life-Changing Volunteering Experience with GDR in Mexico
By: Leah Grygleski

Dr. Chris Macri is a 25-year private practice dentist from Greenwood Village, CO. During a trip to Mexico with the Global Dental Relief (GDR), he experienced something far more profound than any procedure he had performed in his office. On this volunteer trip, he had a transformative moment for both him and the underserved children and families in a community with a critical need for dental care.

A CALLING TO SERVE BEYOND THE OFFICE
Dr. Macri’s path to volunteering with GDR was sparked by a close friend, Janet, who had shared powerful stories of her own experience with GDR in 2015. Janet’s tales of life-changing connections with patients and her newfound community with the GDR team inspired Dr. Macri to look beyond his private practice. As someone who had already volunteered with a handful of local dental non-profits, Dr. Macri felt that GDR’s focus on continuity of care and long-term community relationships was something that truly
resonated with him.

“The connection with the patients and the group was very special with GDR,” says Dr. Macri. “I’ve volunteered before, but the experience with GDR was different. The people I met—volunteers and patients alike—left me feeling fulfilled and deeply grateful for the work I do as a dentist.”

What truly set this trip apart for Dr. Macri, however, was the opportunity to bring his 13-year-old daughter, Avi, along for the journey. This unique aspect of his experience would prove to be just as life-changing for her as it was for Dr. Macri.

THE HEARTWARMING IMPACT OF DENTISTRY
Dr. Macri’s memories of the trip are full of touching stories, but one in particular stands out. Dr. Macri recalls treating a child who had been suffering from a severe infection around a baby tooth. The child had been in pain all night, but after the treatment was over, the relief was almost immediate. After numbing and removing the tooth, the patient promptly fell asleep in his mother’s arms. For Dr. Macri, this moment encapsulated the very essence of why he became a dentist: to alleviate pain and make a real difference in people’s lives.

“As a dentist, I perform these procedures every day, but this moment felt different,” Dr. Macri reflects. “Seeing the mother’s relief and knowing that I was in the right place at the right time to help that child was incredibly fulfilling. I hope that little boy is out there now, happy and healthy, growing up without any memory of that painful night.”

WHY CHOOSE GDR?
For Dr. Macri, the appeal of GDR wasn’t just about providing emergency care for those in need. GDR’s focus on building long-term
relationships with the communities they serve stood out to him. The opportunity to make a sustained impact, to truly help in a meaningful way, was something Dr. Macri couldn’t pass up.

“I wanted to be part of an organization that focuses on continuity of care,” he says. “GDR doesn’t just provide one-time dental services. They build relationships with the communities they serve, ensuring that the care continues long after the volunteers leave.”

YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Dr. Chris Macri’s story is just one example of the many ways volunteering with GDR can transform both the volunteer and the people they serve. Whether you’re a dentist or someone looking to make a real impact in the world, GDR offers an opportunity to give back in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

For anyone considering joining a GDR mission, Dr. Macri’s advice is simple: “It will be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. It’s not just about doing dentistry, it’s about connecting with people, making a real difference, and being part of something much bigger than yourself.”

So, if you’re ready to take the leap and volunteer with GDR, know that you’ll be joining a team of like-minded individuals, all committed to making the world a better place, one smile at a time. To learn more, contact GDR at 303-858-8857 or email info@globaldentalrelief.org.