ALTON — Sierra Ford’s experiences in the dental chair helped shape her career goals. Now, the third-year student at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine is preparing to travel to Belize in March 2027 to provide dental care to an underserved community.
Ford, of Alton, has organized a GoFundMe through Abundant Life Church to help cover travel expenses and supplies for the mission. The group will include dentists, dental hygienists, dental students, and other volunteers.
In her fundraising appeal, Ford described how her own dental treatment influenced her decision to enter the profession.
“I have felt every bit of embarrassment, pain, and shame that can come from sitting in a dental chair; yet I have also felt how life-changing dental care can be in all facets of life,” she wrote.
Originally from Chicago, Ford was raised in South Carolina by her parents, Cindy and Steve, alongside her sister, Savannah. She wrote that her family faced financial struggles and that her dental care sometimes suffered. As a child, she underwent repeated dental treatment.
Her father died while she was in high school. Ford said that, while grieving, she reflected on the difference dental care had made in her life and became determined to pursue dentistry.
“I was determined to become the best doctor I can be, and to hopefully be able to change even just one person’s life the way that mine was,” she said.
Ford said she will be the first doctor in her family. Now in her third year of dental school, she has begun treating patients and sees the Belize mission as an opportunity to develop her clinical skills and grow personally.
In addition to donations, Ford asked for words of encouragement and prayers.
Sierra’s GoFundMe Link through Abundant Life Church:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/
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