InterNational Outreach – the what, why and How

1. InterNational Outreach –the what, why and How Presented by: Burton Coleman & Punit Shah

2. Introductions: • Burton Coleman: UTHSC College of Dentistry, 2012 • Punit Shah: University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, 2013 Recent Outreach Experiences: Guatemala May/ August 2011

3. Guatemala • In La Reforma, Guatemala • Been 4 times to date, twice a year • A few pictures:

30. Pros / Cons: • Pros: • Eye opening experience • Potential to learn a lot beyond what you might learn in clinic • Changing peoples lives (cliché but personally my appreciation for dentistry grew exponentially) • Fun • Cons: • Expensive (~$1300 - $1500) • Need support (faculty, locally, etc.)

31. So how do you put a trip like this together: • Just do it. • PLAN EARLY! • KEEP THE END IN MIND & DON’T GIVE UP • REWARD IS WORTH THE EFFORT

32. Things to consider: • Need a place to go (Mr. Obvious) • Need local support (friend, family, faculty, etc.) • Make sure it’s legal to work there • Safe (everyone should be comfortable going) • Immunizations and medications: • Check on the CDC’s website • Faculty / dentist support: • Check with your school’s policy • Enjoy: • You’re traveling to another country, save time to explore and enjoy what they have to offer.

33. What is the 1st Step • Get together a reasonable sized group (8-10), fewer is better & easier to manage. • Ground transportation is usually limited • Attending (faculty/mentor) – sustainable? • Native Dentist (facilitate communication, pt coordination, & legal implications)

34. Considerations • Safety of travel to & within country • Political climate • Tourist destination? • Crime? • Immunizations – prophylactic meds + DEET

35. Agency / Organizations • Volunteerism Listings • www.adint.org/international-programs-volunteerism.htm • http://internationalvolunteer.ada.org/

36. Mission/Dept of Medicine • Country by country basis • Once you know what country you would like to visit, contact their governing body to help determine areas of need and existing groups to work with.

37. Lodging • Logistically, you will need to establish transportation, food, and lodging • If you are working with an agency, clinic or local dentist this will be much easier • Generally, staying locally will cut down on overall costs. • Don’t automatically write off staying in the community you are treating • By staying within the community, you can establish trust and build relationships that will solidify the future of the program.

38. Continued Care • If you are coming into a new community you need to think about post-op • Retained root-tips, infection, and miscommunication with the community are the most common reasons trips are not repeated from year-to-year. • Working with the community can establish a presence that can manage the post-op complications if they arise.

39. Food Safety • Work with the community dentist and the existing clinic for help. • While you will likely have antibiotics in case of travelers GI issues, you will learn more and provide more care if you don’t need them • Plan to have this be your most significant expense once you have arrived. • Prophylactic Pepto Bismol & Imodium PRN • Be conscious – water supply

40. Equipment • Scrubs, gloves, masks • A head lamp is a necessary. • Anesthesia + Needles • Elevators/Forceps/Root Picks/Cryers/#15/Gut • Tongue Blades (exam), plastic bag, gauze, paper towels • Fluoride • Tooth Brushes (x1000) • Restorative (handpiece, amalgamator?) • Glutaraldehyde+ Bleach Wipes + EtOH gel

41. Treatment • Preventative / Limited / Restorative? • No vacuum • Biohazard waste (plastic bags)

42. Expectations • How many pts will you realistically be able to see? A LOT WILL WANT TO BE SEEN, UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL WILL • Coke is cheaper that water • Children with permanent 1st molar extractions • (Potentially) Med compromised elderly • Referrals (busier 2nd + 3rd day, etc.) • Work hard, BIG REWARDS

43. Have fun and be sure to invite me!!!!!!