DAN COTNER FINDS WAYS TO HELP OTHERS

Cape Girardeau dentist Dan Cotner has spent much of the past 30 years venturing to far-away places where limited medical care exists. In those places his skills are desperately needed.

Dr. Cotner, 74, an active Rotary member, serves in Rotary International's dental clinics throughout the world. Since 1968 he has volunteered his time to work at the clinics.

He recently made his 17th trip to a clinic, this time in Kilimombogo, Kenya, where he served five weeks working two days a week at the clinic and traveling to outlying villages the other three days. His wife, Polly, accompanied him.

By far, the trip to Kenya was among his most forbidding. The villages he called upon were remote, the roads were sloppy and sometimes impassable because of heavy rains and floods, and the insects were atrocious. It was a busy five weeks. On one day in one village he pulled 105 teeth and recalled that many of the extractions were among the most difficult he has encountered.

Cotner's dedication to Rotary's dental clinics parallels his dedication to helping others right here in Cape Girardeau through his involvement in the community. He is an accomplished musician who plays in the Municipal Band and is organist for his church.

Dan Cotner enjoys life, and he spreads a bit of that joy to everyone he encounters.