Casa de Hogar

Dental Program

In 1997, after one of the boys broke a front tooth and required immediate care, it was learned that the children were not receiving dental care. Examinations were arranged and it was found that the children had numerous cavities; some had tooth aches and all needed cleanings and preventative fluoride. Since then, regular dental care has been provided for the children at times in mobile dental vans manned by recent dental graduates through the Dental School.

Interestingly, unlike here in the U.S. where children cry about going to the dentist, these children vie for who can go first! It is special to be the sole focus of attention for the duration of an appointment. Tears and resistance are a rarity. Of course, there is usually a small reward for such bravery!

Oral hygiene instruction is provided along with tooth brushes and toothpaste. While some of the children can tell you all of the pertinent facts about why tooth brushing is so important, it remains a struggle to see that it happens.

In 2006, two dentists and two assistants came from the U.S. to do the examinations, fluoride and oral hygiene instruction at the Casa. While there are always cavities, as time has gone on, the quantity and severity seems to be diminishing.