Last week, a team of five volunteers from Aspen Dental provided free oral care in Haiti. Here’s a post from dental hygienist Marissa Leach, RDH about her experience:

As we continue to work from the clinic in Jacmel, Haitians have shown up by the hundreds. It’s clear that the lack of oral care and oral health education is truly a crisis here.

To make sure every Haitian coming into the clinic is educated on best practices for oral care, we have provided toothbrushes and floss, and give mini-tutorials (through interpreters) on how to use them properly and often. They listen attentively and have shown appreciation for the care they have received.

Day-by-day, the line of people desiring care has grown longer. This small town works primarily on word of mouth, and if the first half of the week is any indication, we still have hundreds of additional residents to see before our trip concludes.

We have been providing care non-stop. The families in and around the Jacmel area are still recovering from the affects of the 2010 earthquake. Roads are blocked, and housing and basic living conditions are still dire. We are touched by the resilience of this community, and could not be more proud to be able to provide a true enhancement in the overall quality of life to the people here.

© 2012, Amanda H.. All rights reserved.