Kemmel and Lisa Dunham: Dental Hygiene Classes

Friday, February 28, 2014

Dental Hygiene Classes

Last year we started Dental Hygiene classes for children sponsored in the ABC program. We have noticed over the years that we have been focusing on restorative care but have not done enough to hold children and parents accountable in dental care. After one year we have seen significant improvement and we hope to continue the trend in 2014. This last Tuesday Cesar and the team headed put to Mactzul II to work with the families there. Here are some great pics. We use food coloring dye to make sure they brush all of the food from their teeth.

Cesar getting busy with the kids. Cesar definitely has a gift to work with kids, we are glad to have him.

No comments:

Post a Comment

List of Supplies We Always Make Use of

Over-the-Counter Items we could use in Guatemala

Gloves XS, S

Acetaminophen - coated or gelcaps
Excedrin – used for migraine patients
Ibuprofen - coated, capsule or gelcap

Antacids – like Rolaids, Tums
Omeprazole - Prilosec
Ranitidine – Zantac 150mg

Artificial Tears / Eye Lubricant (No Visine or "Red Eye" drops)

Reading glasses (New 1.00, 1.25,1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75)
Sunglasses

Anti-fungal creams
Hydrocortisone creams
Moisturizing soap like DOVE

Cold meds - Tylenol Cold PM and AM (no syrups-- tabs or caps are lighter to transport)
Cough suppressants/expectorants - pill form
Diphenhydramine – Benadryl – children's and adult – pills are better
Loratidine

Dental Floss
Tooth brushes
Toothpaste
Please, no mouthwash

If you would like to send some of these items to us, please email us at dunham@healthtalents.org and we will provide you with an address in the United States.

Facts about Chichicastenango

Religion: Evangelical 45%, Catholic 39%, Mayan Religion 11%, Unknown % of Mixed Mayan and Catholic or Evangelica
Chichicastenango refers to both the town and the municipality. The area is 95% indigenous.
Population of the town of Chichicastenango: about 40,000
Population of the area (county) of Chichicastenango: about 100,000
Size of Area: 100,000 square kilometers
Number of Villages in Area (county): about 80
Primary Language: K'iche' Mayan
Secondary Language: Spanish, most men speak some Spanish and women mostly speak Kiche outside of the urban areas
Climate: 40-80 F year round, mostly a dry climate
Altitude: 6300 feet
Number of Physicians Serving Area: less than 15
Chronic malnutrition in 62% of children
Infant mortality 64 per 1000 births
Maternal Mortality: 96 per 100,000 women of reproductive age
Housing: mostly adobe with dirt floors, tile or tin roof, wood burning stoves or open fires, pit letrines
Religion: Evangelical 45%, Catholic 39%, Mayan Religion 11%, Unknown % of Mixed Mayan and Catholic or Evangelica
Maternal Mortality: 96 per 100,000 women of reproductive age
Religion: Evangelical 45%, Catholic 39%, Mayan Religion 11%, Unknown % of Mixed Mayan and Catholic or Evangelica
Maternal Mortality: 96 per 100,000 women of reproductive age