By Karin Reibel and Patrick Graney | Project leaders
These days every Nepali child learns about bodily health and hygiene as well as proper dental hygiene as soon as they enter school. However, older populations, particularly those who did not have the benefit of early training, generally are more ignorant about oral health & hygiene. Constant reinforcement is needed to keep improving dental health in our communities. In their visits to outlying villages our outreach nurses use explanatory “Show and Tell” posters and pictures to teach proper dental care. Since our hospital does not have a dentist on staff periodic free dental health camps are how we bring dental care to the larger community.
Back in November we sent out a GlobalGiving Appeal to match a $1,500 gift by a generous donor. The money raised through this match was to fund another much needed free Dental Health Camp at the Rajbash Hospital. We calculated that with the amount raised with the match, in one weekend we could serve approximately 150 persons, provide for a dentist, a dental assistant and provide all medicines and supplies. Of course, all of the organizing and backup services would be provided by the hospital staff.
The two day Dental Camp was super successful as we were able to provide free services and medicines for 177 patients from five surrounding municipalities. 127 of those needed dental services and 50 were provided OPD services. All dental patients received a dental exam and most received a cleaning. The dental staff performed 52 extractions, 43 fillings, 32 scalings. Patients also were examined for signs of cancer and disease caused by cigarettes and tobacco. 5 patients were referred to a dental hospital for further treatment.
We hope that this reporting reminds you of the significant effect you can have on rural health issues in Nepal. We are grateful for your continued support as are those whose lives have been improved because you decided to care.
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