Since our last International Outpost Trip to Paraguay in July, our local team has continued to serve those in need by conducting outreaches in surrounding communities and delivering smiles globally.
AUGUST
Our Paraguay team ventured into San Juan Nepomuceno, one of the most isolated points in the entire country. Since the town’s local dentists lack sufficient materials, many discouraged families choose to withhold treatment for their children out of fear. Over the course of a few days, our team treated nearly 30 patients, performing numerous extractions on each patient.
Next, the team journeyed to Luque and set up an office in partnership with Diaconia, a non-governmental organization which seeks to empower those living in poverty to live with dignity and freedom. This office represents the foundation’s first attempt to provide continuous attention to one community in the hopes of treating more than one oral problem in the same patient. Here, Dr. Jazmin Villarba encountered the most severe dental cases that she had seen in her four years as a dentist. Within a few days, the team treated 24 patients and completed extractions, performed x-rays, and educated incoming patients on dental health.
SEPTEMBER
Throughout the month of September, the Paraguay team continued their work in the town of Luque, executing treatments and facilitating dental education. With time, the team recognized a need to further educate children and their families on the importance of proper brushing habits. As a response, they went to a women’s meeting at the Diaconia headquarters to talk on the subject.
Overall, the team treated nearly 30 patients within the month of September. The people of the community expressed the positive impact of the foundation’s continuous attention. A volunteer asked a patient if she enjoyed the treatment, to which she exclaimed, “Ipo porã!” referring to the delicate work of Dr. Jazmin Villarba’s hands.
The Paraguay outreaches are one part of the many dental outreaches that the Smiles for Everyone Foundation holds, both domestically in the United States, and abroad.
To read more about our 2018 Paraguay International Outpost Trip, click here!
