MSC 09 5020
Novitski Hall
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: 505 272-4513
Fax: 505 272-5584
Students of The University of New Mexico Division of Dental Hygiene went on their first international oral healthcare mission trip traveling to Nicaragua, summer of 2011. The group of 36 was coordinated and supervised by UNM faculty: Vicki Gianopoulos RDH, MS, EdDc, Elmer Gonzalez RDH, MS, and Diana Aboytes, RDH, MS. In addition to the 22 dental hygiene students, there was also a physician a physician’s assistant, a dentist, registered dental hygienists and volunteers.
Students had the opportunity to travel to rural areas outside of Granada, Nicaragua to treat hundreds of patients with very limited access to care. Patients were initially triaged according to their greatest need. They then were escorted to a dental hygiene student, the dentist, or to the physicians. Services that were delivered were non-surgical periodontal therapy, prophylaxis, topical fluoride application, sealant placement, extractions, general examinations, and health education. Services also provided were digital radiographs taken with a portable x-ray devise, and the prescription and dispense of medications as needed. This multidisciplinary approach to treating patients was successful in addressing most of the Nicaraguan patient’s acute and chronic needs.
Students gained an unforgettable experience of working with a different culture from one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. They also were exposed to the unique culture and countryside participating in daily excursions. Participants traveled to see the islands and lagoon of Granada, learned how local pottery was made, attended a cultural party, hiked in the rainforest and zip lined at the top of the volcanos.
Great relationships were built between our group and the community of San Blas and Santa Ana. We hope to continue to foster this relationship by expanding our scope of practice, increasing our provider numbers and revisiting annually for long-term care.
Special thanks to:
Kenneth Carpenter PhD, UNM faculty and founder of Casa Xalteva in Granada, Nicaragua, Carrie McCracken program coordinator for Viva Nicaragua, Patterson Dental, and Benco Dental.
