.....The clinic is pretty much in full swing now and there have been a number of medical problems come through but nothing catastrophic yet. Lots of expectant mothers and lots of babies. This area is basically only serviced by a midwife who virtually takes care of all problems from teeth to deliveries. Most of the expectant mothers have never had a true wellness exam and most of the babies up to, and including, small children have never had any follow-up exams or treatment since childbirth. The group this trip includes a female gyn (which is important down here), a physical therapist, an emergency medicine doctor, a pediatratian and a couple of family doctors as well as several nurses. There is one American dentist and one Peruvian dentist. We have two pharmastists.
The village is truly impoverished but the school is surprisingly modern
and clean. There is limited electricity and water is pumped in from a nearby irrigation canal--therefore not clean, but I've seen the children drinking from the hoses.
The dental clinic only does extractions--no cosmetic treatment, cleaning or checkups. We have been averaging about two extractions per patient and only one required oral surgery and sutures. Lots of children coming in for their very first dental checkup. Most handle it pretty well but some are scared to death. First they get pain killer, then wait five minutes before the extract
ion. This morning we had a little boy about five years old get his shot and then he climbed under the fence and took off and we never saw him again.
The US dentist brought his own portable exam table and it's really neat. If you look closely at the photo, you'll notice it folds up and has a backpack frame built in so it can be carried up mountains, through jungles or wherever you want to go. What's really neat is that it also has a pole with a solar panel so the dentist can operate a drill. Since we're working inside, he didn't bring it this trip but it's really a neat concept.
So far, so good......
The village is truly impoverished but the school is surprisingly modern
and clean. There is limited electricity and water is pumped in from a nearby irrigation canal--therefore not clean, but I've seen the children drinking from the hoses.The dental clinic only does extractions--no cosmetic treatment, cleaning or checkups. We have been averaging about two extractions per patient and only one required oral surgery and sutures. Lots of children coming in for their very first dental checkup. Most handle it pretty well but some are scared to death. First they get pain killer, then wait five minutes before the extract
ion. This morning we had a little boy about five years old get his shot and then he climbed under the fence and took off and we never saw him again.The US dentist brought his own portable exam table and it's really neat. If you look closely at the photo, you'll notice it folds up and has a backpack frame built in so it can be carried up mountains, through jungles or wherever you want to go. What's really neat is that it also has a pole with a solar panel so the dentist can operate a drill. Since we're working inside, he didn't bring it this trip but it's really a neat concept.
So far, so good......
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