Dental problems have a greater impact on general health and life expectancy than generally thought. In most developing countries the capacity of the dental health unfortunately still limited, especially in rural areas. The World Health Organization WHO reports that dental problems in developing countries are more sick than anemia, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Dental problems are therefore significant negative impact on the welfare of the population, education and the economy. This also applies to the Dominican Republic. We know this country mainly as a great holiday destination, with beautiful scenery, beautiful beaches and mountains, and happy people. But there is much visible and invisible poverty. Many people, especially in rural areas, have little or no access to education and health. With dental care and prevention is even worse.
Our foundation "Bocas Sanas Holanda-Maimón" is committed to actually do something to change it. "Sanas Bocas" is Spanish for "Healthy mouths."
The objective is an annual visit with a team of about ten volunteers to provide dental care to about 1500 schoolchildren. For this part we will work with Dominican counterparts. In addition, the volunteers used in the provision of information about oral health, both children and adults.
In February 2010, we worked two weeked in the village Maimón. Children from neighboring villages were informed, controlled and treated if necessary. Maimón located in the northwest of the country, in the province of Puerto Plata. There we have contacts and colleagues at the Foundation Candida Minaya. They spot for anything that was needed for the success of the project. They were also the volunteers to collect and introduce them to during their stay.
