Thursday, February 11, 2010

Here's a blog form the dental team:

I found it neat to work out of a tent versus being inside a building the last few years. The local dentists also found it easier because there was better airflow and lighting. We made great use of the dental chairs donated by the provincial (local) government. We used four of the chairs for the dental clinic and passed 3 of them to the medical clinic for their use. It’s an interesting dynamic to be in the middle of the camp where my patients can not only be seen, but heard all over. As before, the patients are in dire need of treatment and you’re only alleviating a bit of the pain, and could easily come back for a number of appointments. Our last case was to remove baby teeth out of a malnourished child with downs-syndrome, aged six and looked no bigger than the age of three. It was heart wrenching, but seeing the condition of his medical and dental health, it warmed my heart. Statistically we’ve taken out 530 teeth in four days thanks to the help of Mercy and George (local Kenyan dentists).

Faith, who’s mother runs St Anne’s orphanage that supports 21 infants, worked as my chair-side assistant. Her compassion put the patients at ease, and she was a great communicator. She pursuing an opportunity to study nursing in Canada, but we couldn’t quite convince her to become a dentist. Florine, a Mikinduri local volunteer, did all the oral hygiene instruction, post op instruction, handling paperwork, and patient movement. When walking home at night, I’ve never before had kids begging me for toothbrushes.

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