Patient introduces dentist to traditions of Senegal

The Thioune family laid out photographs and books on their native Senegal and prepared an extensive traditional fish and rice meal that took more than five hours to cook.

It was a special occasion since Dr. Fedra Witting was coming to their Crofton home to learn more about the country, where she will be traveling next month. The local dentist met Babacar Thioune, a new patient, last week and mentioned her upcoming volunteer mission to Thies, Senegal.

It turns out Thies - pronounced chess - is Mr. Thioune's home city. He moved to the U.S. in 1989.

Dr. Witting is set to leave Dec. 11 and will spend nearly two weeks in...