Volunteer Dentists visit Salt Creek Village

On August 28th, 2007 we organized the visit of a children's dentist and hygienist to the Ngobe village of Salt Creek. The Mandeville's originally contacted us though information they found about SBT on the web and graciously volunteered to help us. I suggested a visit to Salt Creek village. At the village they met with about 15-20 children. They conducted a class on proper dental hygiene, passed out basic dental supplies, and conducted a preliminary dental screening of the children. They found that every child had severe dental problems (cavities and abscesses) and that more intensive dental work would be required. We are now working on their return visit with possibly a portable dental room. They will provide all the dental extractions, fillings, and other necessary procedures to alleviate the immediate problems and continue to distribute toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. The Mandeville's are also communicating with other medical personnel who they think may accompany them on the next trip. I appaud them for their selfless efforts and continued dental support.