October 2018: Treat Yo Self

With school already 2 months in session and Halloween behind us, I thought it fitting to share about some of the interdisciplinary work being carried out at Klinik St. Josef (KSJ). As you can imagine, dental hygiene is a resource that most in central plateau can't afford. However, for those with the financial means, it simply requires a 1-2 hour drive to Hinche or 3-6 hours to the capital. Thankfully, the Thomassique region entered into a partnership with American Oral Surgeon, Dr. Cavallo seven years ago. In 2011, he came to KSJ for his first visit. For someone who has devoted their career to improving dental care, Dr. Cavallo was equally devastated and amazed and the tremendous need in the central plateau. Over the past 7 years, the dental hygiene program(DHP) has transformed, and been used as an avenue to combat dental problems early on in childhood. Our goal remains committed to offering 1 school each year with educational sessions, prophylaxis, monthly check-ups and school visits to 50+ students.

This month we welcomed a 52 students for their first dental education session, plaque index measurements, and cleaning. Led by our amazing dental assistants 'The Lovelies' (who are as incredible as their names sound), Mis Beligoutte-Lovelie and Mis Lovely-Pierre held down the fort and had every single kid feeling like they were rockin' million dollar smiles.

I am constantly amazed by the smallest luxuries. You see, I've been fortunate enough to have access to dental care from childhood- early adulthood. Caring for my teeth was something emphasized since I can remember, be it for personal hygiene or the sheer fact of wanting pearly whites, I knew that it was important to value my teeth. Though I will continue to acknowledge that such disparities are not exclusive to developing countries, they are far more palpable than anything I've experienced. It's a bigger rarity to hear of children requiring 3-4 tooth extractions before the age of 10, or middle aged men with multiple missing teeth in the States. But thats the reality here. And another reality is how a toothbrush and toothpaste can feel like the biggest gift for kids, at least that was my impression this month. As you chow down on that good ol' post-halloween candy, make sure you remember to brush and floss, you only have the one set and I'm sure you don't want dentures. Veneers maybe, but who has money for that?

XOXO,

AR