‘Heroes in HealthCare’ 2013 Awards Dentist Recipient – Rogelio Thompson, DDS
MENDOTA – Dr. Rogelio Thompson had braces in high school, and decided he wanted to become a dentist after he was unharmed during dental treatment and wanted to treat people in the same manner.
Dr. Thompson is originally from Colon, Panama and graduated from the UCSF School of Dentistry in 1992. While in school, he completed a one-year residency with VA Medical Center, San Francisco, and was the recipient of the Willard Corwin Fleming Scholarship for humanitarian contributions for his junior and senior years.
In 1993, he went into temporary dental service in the Bay Area and then into private practice in Berkeley from 1993 to 1996. He participated in the Colgate Bright Smile, Bright Future Mobile dental van in Oakland from its inaugural year in 1993 through 1995, providing free dental screens for children in the area.
Dr. Thompson then entered into private practice in Madera in 1996, and moved to Fresno. He ended up spending 12 years in Madera, and came to United Health Centers in Mendota in 2008, where he practices currently.
Dr. Thompson’s dream during dental school was to practice in an underserved community. At United Health Centers, he sees up to 15-20 patients every day. The majority of his patients are Hispanic; many of them are migrant farm workers and their families. He has become more proficient in Spanish through his interactions with them. Dr. Thompson offers his services during Monday evenings to those who are unable to pay a visit during school or work hours.
In further service to the community, Dr. Thompson participates in fun, interactive educational skits before young students at Washington Elementary School, I5 Day Care and Migrant Day Care in Mendota. These include “Sleeping Beauty” and “Little Red Riding Hood,” where he portrays a wolf. He helps produce the costumes for these skits. Dr. Thompson also did a presentation in November of 2012 during a PBS special called “Kids Count,” where he discussed dental health issues. In addition, he has operated a 16-foot tall puppet during the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2010 and the Mendota Christmas Parade in 2011.
The “Heroes in HealthCare” awards reception is coming to the Skyroom Lounge in the Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown on Thursday, May 30. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Physician, Nurse, Healthcare Professional, Volunteer, Emergency Response, Innovation, and Dentist. A special Lifetime Achievement Award will also be given. Tickets are $55, and can be purchased at http://heroesinhealthcare.com/heroesinhealthcare.com/Tickets.html.
