On CRU’s 2nd dental trip in August 2006, a party of volunteers visited Uganda to carry out basic dentistry in a number of temporary clinics at various locations. Lead by CRU co-ordinators Barbara and Rhona, the party was made up of:
Nick a dentist from Dublin, married to Katrina, a general nurse;
Beth a retired Teacher, married to Dennis, a retired dentist;
Natasha, a Maltese dentist studying for her masters (restoritive) degree at Sheffield university;
Claudia from Guys studying for her masters in periodontology;
Joan a dentist from Wisbech &
Jo a sports teacher from Milton Keynes.
The main contacts for this trip were Lillian with Arise Africa and George Smith, a black American with a ministry on Bavuma Island.
Click here for Extract from Barbara Koffman’s Dental Diary ‘06
They came across Joseph, an 8 year old boy, who was seriously affected by a large swelling in his mouth. It was later diagnosed as Birkett’s Lymphoma. Read Joseph’s story
Joseph’s made recovery as you can see from the photograph.
Joseph after treatment for Birkett's Lymphoma
He finished treatment in Aug ‘07 and was put on a six months recall at Malago Hospital, Kampala. Many thanks to all who contributed to his medical costs and to all who prayed for his full recovery
Comments from one of the volunteers:
” When I decided to go on this trip I thought I’d go to help people in need and it’s something I always wanted to do. When I got there dental treatment was one of the many ways these people need help. I learnt a lot from this experience and these people are lovely! They are so welcoming and the children are amazing. It was an eye opening, enriching experience and I would definitely do it again. Our group got on very well despite not having known the people beforehand. It was a trip whose memories I will cherish for ever. Thank you”
Some Facts & Figures from the Trip:
8 clinics
430 people seen
Total teeth extracted 196
Total GI fillings 57
2 referrals 1 surgical extracton 1 Cancer unit Malago Hospital
Everyone received OHI
Many received sensidyne t.p as a treatment local cost 8,000 ug sh approx £2.50
Many received tooth brush and toothpaste —As funds were available
