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My accommodations were modest. Electricity and clean water
were a luxury. There was danger on the roads, caution with everything
I put into my mouth, and precautions to prevent diseases like malaria
and tuberculosis. Apparently these are normal conditions for the
locals.
On my first day, I was taken to a dental clinic, a converted
house, in Herrera, Santo Domingo where I was oriented to the Sonrisas
program. One mandate of Sonrisas is to treat all the children, regardless
of socio-economic background for free. My role was simple. I would
be working in the various clinics and mobile clinics treating children.
Most children seen are impoverished. My other role was as an educator;
I would be teaching the dentist about materials, procedures and
techniques. I was honoured to be able to represent Canada in such
a capacity. There were dozens of children waiting for us at the
mobile clinic at Pantoja, just outside of Santo Domingo. The mobile
clinic is a modified van, donated by Colgate. Inside the cramped
walls were a chair, light, sterilizer and everything else needed.
I'll never forget my first atient, a little boy named Oscar
Rodriguez. Through my rudimentary Spanish I was able to determine
that he had been in pain for months and as a result, unable to eat
properly. After a quick assessment, he was relieved of his pain.
He expressed his appreciation and gratitude by hugging me saying
"muchas gracias, Doctor." I was touched.
Treatment is provided to the children at no cost to the parents.
Every child was unique. They each had different stories to
tell, and all were very appreciative. I was impressed with the strength
and resolve of all of the children. After a few hours and after
seeing perhaps 30 children, I stepped out of the cramped, stuffy
van for some fresh air. I was surprised to see little Oscar waiting
outside with an old ball. My heart swelled when he motioned to me
to play baseball with him. I spent the next while playing baseball
with Oscar and his friends. Too poor to have a bat, they used a
piece of 2x4 wood as a bat. I was humbled by how good those children
actually were!
When the rains hit, they hit hard. Our mobile clinic had
just set up at Savana Perdida, a small town 45 minutes from Santo
Domingo. There were about 25 patients waiting for us. At about 11
a.m., a powerful rainstorm hit. Our van rocked and our generator
puttered. Our lights flickered and water dripped in through the
roof and windows. The Caribbean climate had created intense humidity
within our van. We continued through the rainstorm, sometimes with
no electricity or light, and sweating profusely. The children needed
treatment and had been waiting for our arrival for hours. It seemed
unusual that none of the patients seemed to mind that they were
being treated without light. It was the children who insisted we
continue. To them, it was an everyday occurrence.
My 13 years of experience, skills and training was put to
the test as I continued. To my delight, every extraction and filling
went smoothly. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as we
returned home. On my final day, I was asked by the director of the
Herrera Dental Clinic to prepare a presentation for all the dentists
from all the Sonrisas clinics. I spoke to them about their dedication.
I taught them about methods, procedures and materials that could
improve the care to their patients.
My last but most important words to the dentists were, "Above
all, always remember that the patient's well being is the most important
factor!"
Dentistry in Canada is advanced in comparison to the Dominican
Republic. I enjoyed teaching the dentists about their newly acquired
panoramic radiograph machine, which they were all very excited to
use, but did not know how. I felt a great sense of pride in being
able to teach about current diagnostic techniques, restorative procedures
and sterilization.
This experience, the children I met and treated, the grateful
parents, the country and its culture, I will always remember fondly.
I learned a lot about myself and about the world. My goals for volunteering
were to help the impoverished children of the Dominican Republic.
I learned that I could transcend the constant threat of disease,
crime and language barriers through my endurance, compassion, skills
and spirit. I learned about the unselfishness and kindness within
all of us. We each have the capability of reaching out and giving
more that we get back.
Most of all, it was the children who taught me the biggest
lesson. Children across the world, no matter how rich or poor share
the same basic needs: to be wanted, to be loved and to be cared
for. The expressions of joy I was able to bring the children will
live with me forever. I cannot wait to do it again.
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