Haitian earthquake relief

The effects of the Haitian earthquake are large and devastating, and to the people living there who have lost so much the effects may seem insurmountable. I know there is lots of help out there coming in many different ways. The dental community is banding together to help out too. This is a country where there were only 500 dentists for 9 million people before the earthquake, and now with the extent of devastation to many of the dental practices that number is even fewer. Dr. Adolfo Rodriguez, The president of the Latin American Dental Federation launched a campaign immediately after the quake to help both the general population and dental professionals in Haiti. He is asking companies and dental professionals to donate dental instruments, materials and equipment. He is also putting together teams of dental volunteers to travel to Haiti once the major health and humanitarian crises are under control, or at least manageable , to attend the dental needs of the population. Colgate has already agreed to donate brushes and toothpaste. He was moved that dental professionals from countries with little resources such as Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador say that they will collect funds from their members, secondhand equipment and dental supplies to help their Haitian colleagues. Prominent dental leaders from Brazil, Uruguay and Costa Rica have expressed their interest in participating in dental teams to help with the most urgent needs of the Haitian population. These teams will operate at the Dominican—Haitian border. This tragedy also presents an opportunity to build a public health service that includes dental care. This is a long-term program that will include rebuilding the dental school at the university as well as private practices. Of course Dr. Rodriguez knows the long road ahead of him, and he will prioritize treating women and children. He has also asked for funding from the government of the Dominican Republic. It’s encouraging and uplifting to see how people will come together in times of crises. I will keep you posted on any happenings similar to this I see after the Chile earthquake.

love, your dental assistant