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Dental Director
Shawn O'berry
Going into a community where you are the only dentist is not very easy. When there are hundreds of people with dental needs and only a few days to work it quickly becomes a matter of priorities. We try to help as many people as we can but we begin with the emergency patients first.
Occasionally we come across patients that that have recently received trauma to the face or mouth and have fractured teeth or are other wise experiencing dental pain. We do what we can for these patients to get them out of pain and back to normal as soon as possible.
After seeing any emergencies we then shift to addressing patients that need teeth extracted. These are patients with dental pain due to severely decayed teeth. Unfortunately we see countless numbers of teeth that are severely decayed and infected. We have access to anesthetic, antibiotics and pain relievers to extract these teeth and get these patients out of pain. As unappealing as an extraction sounds, these patients are actually very grateful to be treated by us because many times they have no other way of being treated.
Due to the vast number of severely decayed teeth we also recognize the value of teaching prevention to the members of the community. We teeth them proper home care and talk to them about the importance of fluoride and a proper diet. Due to charitable contributions we are also able to provide tooth brushes and tooth paste to the members of the community.
We wish we could do more. Logistically we can not see everyone with dental needs or offer as many services as we have available in the United States. But the services we do provide are greatly needed and appreciated – making it a rewarding experience for both the patients we treat and the dentists who volunteer their time to serve these people.
My name is Shannon Shadid and I am a dental hygienist from Denver Colorado. I recently had the opportunity to travel with Medical Wings to Bolivia. The trip was both exhilarating and humbling. It proved an experience of a lifetime. Upon arriving in Santa Cruz the team of doctors, nurses pharmacists and other volunteers created an impressive clinic within a school on the outskirts of town, our fearless leader Glenda directed the activity. The dentist and myself organized our dental operatory in about an hour and then we were ready to roll. It was truly amazing to peak outside and see what seemed to be hundreds of people standing in line eager to receive our services.
 For the next 10 hours a steady stream of people received extractions or cleanings. When there was time the children were entertained and educated on homecare with our dental puppet Alberto the Alligator. I feel like we helped quite a few people in Bolivia although there is a mild sense of frustration because one feels there is so much more to be done. What I know for sure is that everyone is capable of making a difference. I eagerly await the next trip with this extraordinary group and would encourage anyone with the desire to join. More beautiful than any of the scenery, even the snow capped mountain peaks in La Paz, were the radiant smiles of our patients. This was a wondrous and heartwarming experience.
Dental:
Pharmaceutical Care:
The Triage Area:
Pediatrician:
Eye Tech: Optometry:
Mobilizing Global Families:
Youth Director:
American Airline Community Services:
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