GOOD dental hygiene and confident smiles were what the Montero Medical Mission left behind before leaving the island after a one-week visit.
The Mission from the State of Virginia, visited the island from the 16th -20th of September with the goal of providing yeoman service to members of the public in need of dental care, but who could not afford those services.
While here, the Medical Mission undertook a virtual dental van tour as it was called, to all 77 primary schools. During that tour, members of the delegation engaged the students during school hours via the zoom platform, with illustrations on proper tooth brushing and general oral hygiene.
The Mission also visited the Dennery Hospital and Micoud Wellness Centre where they carry out dental procedures on both children and adults.
‘We are offering a lot of service here for children who need it. We are doing cleanings, extractions and fillings for those children. We are doing the best we can, with what we have and what we are using here. I think there is a need here. A lot of children have decay and I even had a child that I had to refer to the hospital for a large abscess. So there is need for pediatrics here in this area and that’s why we came down here to try to help,” said Dr. JB Martin 1V- Pediatric dentist.
Dr. Martin is appealing to parents to cut back on the amount of sugar that child or children consume.
“Sugar is causing decay on children and so it is the limitation on sugar and proper oral hygiene that will help eliminate a lot of the problems . We are doing instructions of dietary issues too as we see the children here,” he said.
For Dr. Charles Johnson, it was a rewarding trip to St Lucia. Although he had twice visited the island whilst on a cruise, this was his first work trip here.
“I have been all over the world but this one seems special for me because we are providing a service and the people are very appreciative and they are saying, they want us to help them. The community, the Rotary and Lions group have really made it easy for us to work here and hopefully we can come back,” Johnson said.
The Virginia-based Montero Medical Mission was headed by its founding member and President Dr. Juan Montero.