Dr Graham Toulmin leaves for the troubled central African nation on July 5 for an extra special trip that will see him joined by two of his sons, their first visit since the family returned from a four-year stay in 1991.

The expedition’s aim is to research a masters degree that will capitalise on Dr Toulmin’s knowledge of dentistry in the region, built as he helped develop three clinics that serve sprawling cities boasting huge impoverished populations.

Dr Toulmin, who has worked in partnership with the Anglican Church, said it was vital his experiences were documented to assist any future work in the country.

“This is a country where virtually nothing is happening in the dental world and we’ve got a chance to impact things in a way that is impossible in other countries, because of the Anglican Church having this network of health centres it could be quite significant work . . . We know from 22 years of working with these people that they’re trustworthy, that we can send money and 100 per cent of the money gets used,” said Dr Toulmin.

The 63-year-old imagined his work in DRC was over in 2006 following what was planned to be a farewell visit. That was until he began tutoring at Sydney University and discovered a whole new generation of students were inspired by his work and motivated to contribute.

He has since travelled with two student groups, culminating in the opening of a third dental clinic in the town of Mahagi at the end of 2010.

“The students have all been greatly moved by the people over there and the people are incredible. That’s why I keep going back . . . You meet people who become your friends, and you want to help your friends out,” said Dr Toulmin.

He is expecting sons Stephen and Jeremy, who will help with his research, to receive a rockstar’s reception in the town.

“They’ll be real celebrities. Everyone in the town knew the Australian family with these little kids — they were really cute back then when we first got there — so they’ll have a really good time and be useful as well,” said Dr Toulmin.