Dental Clinic

The Quito Project Dental Clinic first opened its doors during the summer of 2007 in the community of San Martin in Quito, Ecuador. It was staffed by one dentist and four dental students from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry volunteering their time and services. Approximately 300 patients, of all ages, were seen over a 4 ½ day week. The dental clinic was consecutive to the Quito Project Medical Clinic and utilized the same facility. Undergraduate students serving as tutors, also from the University of Michigan, acted as translators throughout the week. Patients coming to the clinic lined up early in the morning to be seen, and they presented with a variety of conditions and problems, the most common of which stemmed from extensive decay.

Several goals exist for the 2008 dental clinic. First, is to provide relief from pain primarily due to infection and decay. Second, is to aid in controlling decay. The third goal is to provide education in oral hygiene and nutrition. In 2008, the clinic will again be staffed by a dentist and dental students, and the services offered will be similar to those offered in 2007: examinations, fillings where possible, and extractions when necessary. Antibiotics and analgesics will be given when needed. Also, toothbrushes and toothpaste will be given to each patient (to be used also by their family members). Other minor surgical procedures will be performed where necessary, and referrals will be made to appropriate dentists and physicians for treatment that is not possible in the clinic. All treatment will again be provided at no cost to the patients.

At present the dental clinic operates without typical dental “drills” and other common equipment readily available elsewhere. We are attempting to increase and improve the services we offer. Donations are gratefully accepted to help in maintaining current and continuing supplies and purchasing new equipment. Please contact Andrea Yancon at ayancon(at)umich.edu for further information.