Detailed description
This ongoing 3-year project works to prevent childhood tooth decay in an under served area of the Western Hemisphere's second poorest nation. The introductory activity was to hold a dental clinic over 4 days during which 1,037 children were attended. Volunteer dentists saw 836 children, doing 222 fillings, 405 fluoride treatments, 176 extractions and treated 942 cavities with silver diamine fluoride to halt decay. All patients were given free follow-up appointments at a local clinic. Additionally a volunteer pediatrician attended 144 children and a volunteer surgeon performed 107 procedures on 57 patients. Two volunteers trained twelve teachers in methods of teaching oral hygiene in schools using technology. The project will continue to hold dental clinics each year of the project, building on experience and communication to improve ongoing sustainable care for the poorest patients.