Dental Program

First trip to the dentist

15 years old, 15 cavities

Dentistry is not readily available in the DR. Candy and sugar cane are! 

Because of the lack of preventive dentistry, dentists are best known as people wielding pliers. In the last 20 years, dental sealants have become a standard process for greatly reducing the incidence of dental caries. The sealants are generally applied when the 6 year molars have appeared and again when the 12 year molars have appeared. The process is painless, effective and very inexpensive. A combination of sealing and fluoride brushing will almost eliminate caries.

We have had equipment and materials donated by a local dentist and delivered to Clinica Esperanza. The dentist there is trained in the process and is currently sealing some teeth.

Our goal for 2003- 2004 is to have every scholarship student at San Esteban receive a dental exam, fill existing caries and seal their molars. The 7 and 8 year olds can probably have their molars sealed without a need for filling caries. Others will be encouraged to have necessary dental work done and then the sealants applied.

First year cost is estimated at $4000 to examine, clean teeth, seal teeth and fill an average of 8 - 10 caries on each of 60 students. Costs will be greatly reduced in future years for this group as they benefit from greatly reduced caries.

We believe that this process will demonstrate the benefits of preventive dentistry and help overcome the fear of the dental chair. We would hope to then expand this program to other schools in the area. If all children start by having their teeth sealed before cavities appear, the costs will be minimal and the benefits great.

If modern dental care is not introduced, these kids will have a lifelong problem with infections and loss of teeth.