5-year-old Natalia has been coming to the clinic as a collaboration between us and ORPHANetwork, which operates feeding centers in Nueva Vida. Though very poor, she now comes regularly to get her teeth cleaned and repaired.
Most Nicaraguans go to the dentist when they are in pain and the tooth has to be pulled. Through this collaboration over the past two years, we have slowly begun to make a difference in these children’s mouths. Like Natalia, they are coming for cleanings and repairs.
We are doing more preventive and restorative work than extractions. We give out toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss and teach patients how to use them.
I overheard Dr. Art Kaslow, DDS, say to his fellow volunteers, “The Nueva Vida dental clinic staff are really making a difference! This is much different from other Third World clinics where I have gone to work. They do sealants and the sealants are holding. They are really making a difference!” He volunteered in the clinic with Solvang Rotary Club (CA).
There is much to do though…like with Natalia. There are thousands of children and adults who need dental care.This season, give a gift that will help Natalia and others like her who suffer from poverty AND rotten teeth.
-Kathleen
