Volunteers Serving Children in Need Around the Globe

Dental Care for Kids
Since 2001

Children Served:
146,365

Donated Care:
$30.7 million

Volunteers:
2,358

Seventeen years ago we started this adventure in service–and today Global Dental Relief volunteers remain hard at work delivering critical dental care to children. In 2017, 20,904 children visited GDR clinics in five countries, receiving $4.3 million in donated care.
Our patients are the highlight of this work. We love their shy smiles, excited chattering, and trusting eyes as they reach for the hand of a volunteer. We dedicate this annual report to the children we serve and their beautiful smiles.

Each child we treat receives an average of $210 in direct dental care (US equivalent)

Download PDF of Progress Report March 2018

The post March 2018 Progress Report first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

In the fall of 2017, The Rotary Club of Southeast Denver partnered with Global Dental Relief to help sponsor two clinics in Kathmandu, Nepal. Through multi-club efforts, Rotarians contributed a generous donation of $19,500 to Global Dental Relief’s clinics in Nepal.

Local Denver Rotarians – Jan Lovelady and Aloah Kincaid – were able to attend the clinics in Kathmandu last fall. With open minds and willing spirits, the two traveled to half way around the world, to see their hard work in action. Jan had previously been to Nepal – five times in fact – but for Aloah this was her first time.

“Everything about it was impressive,” was Jan’s response when asked what she thought of the clinic set-up. “Coming from the US perspective, it was quite gratifying to see the impact and difference dental care makes in the lives of the Nepali people.”

During their time in Nepal, the two Denver Rotarians had the unique opportunity to work with a local affiliate, The Kantipur Rotary club. The Kantipur Rotary club provided translators to work in the clinic, teaching the children oral health education. They also organized and transported students to the clinic so they could receive dental care.

Thanks to the Rotary Southeast Club of Denver and to Rotarian, Jan Lovelady, this partnership provided dental care to 1,029 Nepali children. Their smiles say it all.

Through generous sponsorships, Global Dental Relief provides children, who otherwise would have no access to treatment, proper dental care and oral health education. Treatment for children who come into GDR clinics includes exams, restorative dental procedures, extractions and cleanings. Patients also receive a toothbrush, fluoride treatment and lessons in oral health education.

This year, Global Dental Relief will host 24 clinics across five countries and nine different clinic locations. Volunteer positions are still available on our 2018 clinics. Contact us today (volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org) to find out how you can be a part of our mission to bring free dental care to children in need around the world!

The post Denver Southeast Rotary Club Helps Children in Nepal first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

1. Educational impact. We are able to educate and instill oral health awareness and habits in children before decay sets in. Each time a child enters a GDR clinic, they learn why to brush, how to brush and the effects that diet has on their teeth. They hear this message again and again. They then pass their knowledge to their parents, siblings and friends.

2. We start treating kids at age six before extensive dental decay has had time to develop in permanent teeth. By reaching kids young we can arrest decay when it first starts. Children are tracked by school and they return to GDR clinics every two years to receive long-term continuous care.

Over the course of 16 years, GDR volunteers have provided complete dental care to 135,000 children in five countries. The donated value of care exceeds 30 million. Each child receives an exam, a cleaning, and any fillings or extractions they may need. They receive a toothbrush and a fluoride varnish treatment.

Here’s a snapshot of a day in the life of the children at our clinic:

1. Children arrive in groups with other students from their school. First, they each receive brand new toothbrush. Some of these children have never seen a toothbrush before. Volunteers work with kids to teach them how to brush and about nutrition and the effects that sugar has on their teeth.

2. Once inside the clinic, each child receives a full exam

3. If a cavity or other dental issue is detected, dentists and hygienists offer treatment immediately. If further treatment is needed children return to the clinic two or three times over the course of the week until all care is completed.

4. Each child receives an application of fluoride varnish to help strengthen their tooth enamel.

The clinic is bustling with children and volunteers. There are glimpses of awe and trepidation, but what is remembered by all are the moments of connection as volunteers and children reach across cultures.

Time and again, we see this model work. Children return to our clinic with healthier teeth, and stronger oral hygiene habits. Good oral health leads to better overall physical health, and their newfound knowledge touches their families and friends.

Whether you are a dentist, hygienist, dental assistant, or a non-dental volunteer, the magic of this organization comes from your dedication to making a difference. Would you like to join us? email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org, call us at 303.858.8857, or register by visiting our registry page.

The post The Global Dental Relief Model of Care first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

• The Children – Because you are going on this trip, you’ll have an opportunity to experience a part of Leh that no tourists will see: the children who come to our clinic. Most of these children have never had the opportunity to meet with a dentist before, and many don’t have toothbrushes or toothpaste at home. Who can resist the bright smiles on the children’s faces when you teach them how to brush their teeth or their courage while getting their first dental filling? If you’d like to learn more about what it might be like working at the clinic, you can read about the beautiful experience of Moni Basu of CNN who accompanied us to Ladakh in 2013.

• Pangong Lake – If you are sticking around for a few days after the clinic work is over, you’ll want to see this lake. It’s a gorgeous, massive lake situated in the midst of the Himalayan mountains at a height of more than 14,000 ft above sea level. You can rent a bike or even reach it by taxi. You’ll find Takthok and Chemeray monasteries on your way to or from the lake if you’re willing to take a slight detour.

• Nubra Valley – Anciently, this desert valley was called Ldumra, meaning “The Valley of Flowers.” It is situated in between the Ladakh and Karakoram Mountain Ranges and is about 10,000 ft above sea level. In this area you’ll find monasteries, white sand dunes, a hot spring, and even the opportunity to ride a camel.

• The Golden Triangle – An exotic journey through the state or Rajisthan that includes stops in Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and Jaipur, the famous Pink City. You can arrange your own itinerary, or GDR can help organize the details for you.

• Trek — Consider spending an additional five days after the clinic on a trek with others from Global Dental Relief. Our office can give you further details. Call us at 303-858-8857. Would you like a small taste of trekking in Ladakh before officially you decide to go? This BBC article will take you on a journey through the Markha Valley in the Himalayas

Do you have more questions about the trip? Check out our Ladakh itinerary here or call our office with additional questions. The Ladakh valley has only two dentists to serve 40,000 residents. Your commitment to volunteering will bring much needed dental care to hundreds of children – THANK YOU for choosing to make a difference!

The post The Top 5 Sights to See in Ladakh, India first appeared on Global Dental Relief.