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Woohoo! What a resounding success! This is the SIXTH time we have been able to provide dental week and the dental team was kept hopping for three very long days in our Dekpor Basic School library hall.
This year, three dentists and one dental assistant made the trek from Sogakope. Linda, Edzi, and Helen were on hand to keep things rolling smoothly. A special thanks to formerly-sponsored students: Patrick, Godsway, Benjamin, Selorm, and Chris for helping with photos, organising, calling parents, and keeping students where they needed to be.
Seen: 731 Dekpor Basic students, our sponsored apprentices, staff
Other villagers were welcomed to pay a nominal fee to get treatments, too. We had the biggest turn out ever!
This is a big deal, considering a mere 6 years ago, no one in Dekpor had even heard of a dentist.
Each class undergoes an educational component--teaching the students the necessity and health benefits of looking after one's teeth. Every student is screened. Every student receives a toothbrush and paste. And, those who require treatment get it--including medications for infections.
This year, there were fewer cavities, fewer infections, fewer extreme cases.
This year, there were only two students who will require the trip to the dental office.
This year, students weren't so fearful, because they are learning that brushing your teeth can keep them clean.
This year, we had more villagers show up to receive treatment. Again, this is a massive educational win because in the first couple of years getting anyone to come voluntarily was like...pulling teeth.
As you can imagine, this is a pricey undertaking. It is fully funded by our Ghana Nourish Minds fundraising efforts where volunteers sign up to do a run, walk, or bike ride and then ask their family and friends to sponsor them. We are incredibly grateful to the 12 individuals/groups who signed up to make a difference.
A shout out to:
Carol
Ian and Jenn
Miles, Evy, Max, Livi
Stefano
The Bartlett Family
Scott and Becky
Nolan and Amanda
James and Sam (and Stephanie)
Heather
Linda
Charlotte and Robbie
Claire
