500 E John W Carpenter Fwy #300, Irving, TX 75062
Minnesota Surgeon Richard Kim Provides Free Dental Careto the People of Belize
Returns From 14th Annual Medical Mission Trip to Ambergris Caye
ROCHESTER and MANKATO, MINN. and IRVING, TEXAS (JUNE 3, 2026) … FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE … U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) welcomes back its surgeon partner Richard H. Kim, DDS, MD, as he returns to Minnesota from his 14th annual medical mission trip to Belize. While there, Dr. Kim and his colleagues provided much needed dental services to people in Ambergris Caye, which is the largest of the 200-plus islands located off the coast of Belize.
“I look forward to this trip every year – to giving back a part of myself. It’s a great opportunity to connect with and learn from different cultures and a solid reminder of the gap between what’s needed and what’s available. We’re so fortunate to have reliable access to high-quality dental care here in the United States,” said Dr. Kim. “In Belize, there is a tremendous need, and I’m honored to be part of a group that goes back year-after-year to help meet it.”
Over the years, Dr. Kim and his colleagues have treated more than 700 patients in Belize. During his most recent trip, they treated more than 50 patients, through two dental clinics: the dental clinic at the Holy Cross Anglican School and the San Pedro Polyclinic. This year’s dental care team consisted of two oral surgeons, two general dentists, two pediatric dentists, four dental hygiene professors, and 20 dental hygiene students from Minnesota State University.
“I started volunteering in Belize because of a request from the chairman of Minnesota State University Department of Dental Hygiene, who asked me 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,” said Dr. Kim. “As the son of a pastor, I felt compelled to answer this calling, and I’ve continued to answer that calling year-after-year. Many of our patients wouldn’t have received treatment otherwise.”
Dr. Kim says the dental care team treats both children and adults and that the treatments vary every year, depending on patient need. Treatments may include cleft lip or palate treatments, surgical extractions, dental implants, oral pathology and much more.
“The majority of the treatments we provided this year were surgical extractions and restorative procedures, as well as some biopsies and surgical management of infections,” noted Dr. Kim. “In addition, the team provided teeth cleaning, oral exams and educational services.”
The trip was made possible in part by Nobel Biocare, which donated sutures and other essential supplies; through the many volunteers, who gave their time and expertise; and through the USOSM Medical Mission Reimbursement Program, which provided additional support. Founded in 2023, the USOSM Medical Mission Reimbursement Program aims to enable additional participation in medical mission projects and to provide guidance to its surgeon partners on organizing and implementing them.
A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Kim practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures at Southeastern Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Mankato and Rochester, where he also is actively involved with medical missions. He has participated in free clinics in the area and for the past two years has provided free oral cancer screenings at his practice in conjunction with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, which is celebrated in April.
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.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USOSM sets the standard for oral and maxillofacial surgery management. A management services organization spanning 31 states, USOSM has built a best-in-class network of premier oral and maxillofacial surgeon partners. USOSM provides operational, financial and administrative support services to fuel clinical excellence, innovation and wealth-creation. Visit: https://www.usosm.com.
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Contact:
Severa Lynch
SVP, Marketing and Communications
U.S. Oral Surgery Management
202-253-0426