Weekend Outreach Mission Provides Different, Yet Still Inspiring Experience for Volunteers

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Assistant Director of Extramural Programs Kathy Held, Robin Yamaguma DMD 10, and Liz Montero DMD 11 joined forces with Liga International – The Flying Doctors of Mercy for a weekend outreach trip to El Fuerte, Mexico, June 4-7.

"Liga volunteers offered a vast spectrum of skills, for the overall success of the mission," said Held. "We traveled by small aircraft, so 20% of our group were pilots, others interpreters and equipment specialists, and of course the medical volunteers including internists, surgeons, and pediatricians. Our dental team consisted of us three; Dr. Fred Kalinoff, who is the director of the dental division of Liga; and Dr. Dave Elgethun, a practicing pediatric dentist from Minnesota." Held continued, "Both doctors were wonderful preceptors and provided guidance and direction for students, Robin and Liz."

During the weekend mission the dental team provided restorative treatments, scaling and curettage, and extractions for adults. As a result students were able to gain more experience in these areas than on other mission trips where they primarily treat children. Held, who has participated in several outreach missions with Project Stretch, commented that these were some of the most challenging work conditions she has encountered on an outreach trip. The work space in El Fuerte had a fully operational unit, but the volunteers worked in steady heat and humidity in excess of 97 degrees each day. They also worked into the night, and due to the short nature of the trip, had little time to acclimate to the area before diving right into work.

Dr. Yamaguma, who also recently participated in a Project Stretch mission with Held, noted differences and similarities to her other mission experience adding, "It was a completely different experience than the Project Stretch trip to Teacapan, Mexico because we treated adults rather than elementary school children. But even though we treated adults, we still got the post-treatment hugs and smiles of gratitude from our patients."

This was the first outreach trip for Montero. She said, "This trip was an eye-opening experience. While treating patients, we had scarce materials and instruments and often had to improvise with the donated supplies. This made me realize how fortunate we are to have so many dental supplies readily available to use at the Boston University dental clinic. This experience has inspired me to continue volunteering for future outreach efforts."

GSDM Extramural Programs offers opportunities for fourth-year DMD students in good standing to participate in outreach missions, including some longer trips with Liga that are 12 days in duration. These Liga trips include volunteering in both the El Fuerte and working in a more rural setting with the children of the Tarahumara Indian Tribe in the mountains of Copper Canyon. If you think you might be interested keep an eye out for a list of available missions, related information, and an application which will be distributed to the DMD Class of 2011 by Extramural Programs at the end of the summer.

Photos from this trip are available on GSDM’s flickr account and the Facebook page.