by Phil Plunk, Founder

For four years, Salud y Paz has worked with the University of Illinois – Chicago (UIC) Dental School to provide in-service learning for dental students. Each spring, dental interns from UIC come to Guatemala for a one-month accredited rotation to provide dental treatment to all the students in the Susanna Wesley School. The program has proven to be a great success for Salud y Paz and for the interns from UIC. Currently, we are working with UIC on the possibility of expanding the program to include a Fall Semester rotation, as well. I asked Joe Beatty, one of this year’s students, to share about his experience serving at the Salud y Paz dental clinic in Camanchaj. His story was this:

Imagine yourself shoulder-to-shoulder in a shuttle with a team of generous, skillful volunteers departing the lakeside city of Panajachel. volunteers departing from the lakeside city of Panajachel. A mixture of exhaust and dust fill your nostrils as the shuttle scales the cliffs of Guatemala and passes through the narrow streets of Solola and Los Encuentros. The sun rises in the distance, flooding the surrounding valleys and streams – a site that is truly enchanting. Eventually you arrive at a humble complex consisting of a home, school, and clinic. Hundreds of little almond eyes gaze upon you, the stranger, as you enter their “home”. Within seconds, they are at your side smiling, laughing, and reaching out to be held. The children know you are here to help and want to show their thankfulness in every way that they possibly can… that is, all of them overwhelming you except one: Nehemias.

You see, Nehemias’ story is unique. Since birth, Nehemias was afflicted with a condition called cerebral palsy, and even walking is a challenge for him. Despite the crippling condition, he faces each day with newfound appreciation and happiness. As dental volunteers, we came to educate the children about caries and how to maintain their precious teeth. Instead, Nehemias taught us a thing or two about overcoming the challenges of life.

Nehemias was not unique in the sense that all four quadrants of his mouth needed significant dental treatment. In fact, the caries rate in Guatemala is nearly 80% due to various reasons, including the need for proper dental hygiene education and severe lack of fluoridated water supply. Nehemias sat through three intense appointments without complaint. Regardless of treatment challenges, he was always smiling! In other countries, the type of treatment Nehemias received would arguably be completed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. During treatment it was discovered that Nehemias was incapable of physically brushing his own teeth. Furthermore, his mother was never taught how to properly brush Nehemias’ teeth. The final session with Nehemias and his mother involved a great deal of education, which we hope will make a long-term improvement in Nehemias’ oral and general health.

As volunteers we were equally inspired by Nehemias’ enthusiasm – especially amongst his peers. During recess time, we joined the children for soccer in the dirt, swinging on handmade swings, and other activities. Many of the children were chasing and tackling one another in the courtyard. Off to the side you might still find Nehemias smiling, laughing, and outstretching his arms… waiting to be hugged.

Thanks to Joe for sharing his story and to all of this year’s students for giving their time to serve in Guatemala.