A Short Productive Day

Though it's only 1:30, our day is complete. We started early and by noon had already seen well over 300 patients. Two-thirds of our patients only required fluoride treatment and one third required extractions, and often multiple extraction of teeth. Don't get me wrong, the two-thirds who only got fluoride had cavities too, but we had to make decisions regarding the overall best dental choice. Without the ability to place space maintainers,  the over-extraction of teeth could lead to severe malocclusions and their resultant problems. I feel a great deal of responsibility making these judgments, it's so much easier with X-rays. 

This village is known as Tall House Village. It is likely a reference to the stilts upon which these houses sit. Interestingly, these children have cleaner clothes and healthier teeth than the patients yesterday. It's probably because the patients yesterday were new to the program. 

As a group we are working well together. Each third or fourth year dental student is assigned to an experienced dentist. The non-dental volunteers are enthusiastic and enjoying getting to know the Khmer culture. Jamie and I are particularly proud of Michelle and Carol, who we brought with us. Michelle is both a friend and an employee. She joined us last year and is a skilled veteran. Carol is a newbie, but she is a quick learner. And as a part time camp counselor, she taught the children how to sing 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' while they waited to be seen. 

Though we are exhausted, we are feeling very satisfied with our efforts. I have said it before, the Cambodian people area beautiful culture and the children, in particular, are so deserving of our efforts.