By Bruce Lehnert
What started with a gracious invitation from Princess Kesang Choden Wangchuck has now grown into one of the most exciting, wide-reaching initiatives in the history of our medical missions.
But there is more. This year, we’re expanding beyond below-the-knee conditions for the very first time. Joining our usual cast of talented, deeply committed lower-extremity specialists is a new duo bringing an entirely new dimension to our mission. Richard Kao, DDS, a world-renowned periodontist, and Logan Lehnert, a Colby College pre-dental student and long-term dedicated IEP volunteer.
Together, they’ve designed our first-ever dentistry-focused program, including a hands-on training initiative to help Bhutanese dentists build sustainable periodontal skills. As someone who spends most of his life working below the ankle, I didn’t expect to be pulled into the “inner workings” of a dental training project. But, but I’ll admit it — I’m completely fascinated.
The Bhutan Ministry of Health and its orthopedic surgeons have been meticulous in patient selection, screening individuals with conditions that match exactly what we treat. The patient information they've provided lists every patient, their diagnosis, and their demographics. It's nothing short of impressive. With preparation like this, we can already tell this mission is set up for success.
On December 19, 2025, the Extremity Project team will board planes from all over the world to converge in Bhutan, ready once again to do what we do best: restore function, mobility, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
But there is more. This year, we’re expanding beyond below-the-knee conditions for the very first time. Joining our usual cast of talented, deeply committed lower-extremity specialists is a new duo bringing an entirely new dimension to our mission. Richard Kao, DDS, a world-renowned periodontist, and Logan Lehnert, a Colby College pre-dental student and long-term dedicated IEP volunteer.
Together, they’ve designed our first-ever dentistry-focused program, including a hands-on training initiative to help Bhutanese dentists build sustainable periodontal skills. As someone who spends most of his life working below the ankle, I didn’t expect to be pulled into the “inner workings” of a dental training project. But, but I’ll admit it — I’m completely fascinated.
Their plan doesn’t restore oral health; it teaches clinicians how to keep helping their communities long after we’re gone. Teaching their dentists how to fish, so to speak.
Meanwhile, our core mission remains rock solid.
The Bhutan Ministry of Health and its orthopedic surgeons have been meticulous in patient selection, screening individuals with conditions that match exactly what we treat. The patient information they've provided lists every patient, their diagnosis, and their demographics. It's nothing short of impressive. With preparation like this, we can already tell this mission is set up for success.
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