Two weeks of dental care in Bolivia
In September, Dental Health Without Borders carried out its first dental missions in Bolivia in collaboration with Fundación Machaqa Amawta. Volunteer dentists and dental professionals from several countries worked alongside local colleagues to provide dental treatment and preventive care to children at local schools.
The missions focused on helping children with dental problems, while also building knowledge and good habits that can improve their dental health long term. At the same time, the two weeks were characterised by a strong sense of community, with volunteers and local staff sharing professional experiences, supporting one another and forging new relationships.
Week 37: The first children receive treatment
The first mission brought together volunteer dentists from Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Germany, as well as a photographer from Belgium. Together with staff from the Fundación Machaqa Amawta, they travelled to local schools, where ordinary classrooms were temporarily converted into dental treatment rooms.
It took planning, flexibility and good teamwork to make it all work under those basic conditions. Equipment had to be transported, treatment stations set up and instruments sterilised before the first children could receive treatment.
The initiative made a noticeable difference. In just five working days, around 250 children received treatment for conditions including tooth decay, infections and pain. For many of the children, this meant an opportunity to get help with problems they had been living with for a long time.
One child who made a particular impression on the team was nine-year-old Erica. She was nervous about the treatment, but with support, care and patience, she managed to have the necessary teeth extracted. Her smile afterwards reminded the team just how much of a difference it can make to be treated with reassurance and care.
Week 38: Focus on prevention and learning
In week 38, work continued with a new international team of volunteer dentists and dental nurses, who worked closely with the Fundación Machaqa Amawta.
The need for dental treatment during this week was just as great. Every day, the children received treatment for issues such as tooth decay and other dental problems. At the same time, it became clear how important it is to prevent problems at an early stage and to take good care of both milk teeth and permanent teeth.
At the same time, prevention took on an even greater role in the programme. Through teaching, dialogue and activities, the children learnt about toothbrushing and oral hygiene in a way that was tailored to their everyday lives. Dental hygienist Karen generated great enthusiasm with a toothbrushing song, which quickly got the children singing along and engaging with the lesson.
The mission demonstrated once again that dental treatment and prevention go hand in hand. When children receive help with their current problems and learn good habits, this creates a stronger foundation for future dental health.
Community across national borders
The missions weren’t just about teeth. The volunteers came from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds, but worked closely together for two weeks towards a common goal: to help the children.
Between treatments, experiences were shared, new friendships were formed, and professional knowledge was exchanged. The volunteers supported one another through long working days, challenging logistical conditions and unforeseen situations, and it was precisely this collaboration that became one of the mission’s strengths.
At the same time, the local staff played a crucial role in the initiative. Their knowledge of the language, the local communities, and the families made it possible to build trust and ensure that the children had the best possible experience.
An important step in the collaboration
The first dental missions mark an important milestone in the collaboration between Dental Health Without Borders and Fundación Machaqa Amawta. The experiences gained over the two weeks demonstrate the value of combining treatment, prevention, and strong local partnerships.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteer dentists, dental nurses, local staff, translators, teachers, and partners who made these missions possible. Together, they have helped improve dental health, bring new smiles, and offer hope for a healthier future for the children of Bolivia. 💙
