Blue and yellow day

Today is our third day in the clinic and each day the kids wear different colored shirts depending on the activity of the day. Yesterday was sports day and all had these wonderfully bright colored shirts, yellow, lime green, sky blue and pink!

At home we always joked with patients that if they lost a temporary or had a dental problem while away on vacation we could always set up a beach chair and take care of them! We were only able to bring down two dental chairs so we improvised with what the school had available. Well the beach chair actually works!! The kids are great and once settled into the chair we can do exams, sealants and hygiene. For most of the kids it is dental education that is most needed and having a regular team come to the school will benefit them all for years to come. The older children are a great help and are very interested in what we are doing and love to assist! They get the biggest kick out of hearing us try to pronounce the very difficult Thai words- I feel I have to scrunch up my face to make the sounds!

This morning I worked in the restorative section with Lori who is awesome and rises to the task no matter what challenges we may have- from a very ticklish patient to mechanical problems! We have plans to work until 8:30 pm for three days to try and accommodate everyone- all are so patient in waiting their turn and between the large screen TV and many drawing stations they pass the time. It has been a wonderful experience so far and appreciate all the help received by everyone!!

written by Dr. Susan A. Grimes, Vermont