Our work
How we work
We believe in sustainable change – not one-off assistance. That is why our work is based on five key elements that ensure local ownership and a lasting impact.
five key elements
Our approach
01
Partnership & Needs Assessment
We identify local partners and assess the needs in the area. All projects are developed in close collaboration with the local community and are based on local needs and resources.
02
School programmes
Daily toothbrushing and oral hygiene education are at the heart of our school programmes. This helps to establish good habits that the children take home and pass on to their families. At the same time, we involve and train teachers and local healthcare staff so that the initiative can continue and become firmly established at a local level.
03
Capacity building & ownership
We train local teachers, healthcare workers and partners so that they can run and further develop these initiatives. The aim is to ensure lasting change and local ownership by ensuring that knowledge and skills remain within the local community.
04
Missions & treatment
Every year, volunteer dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists travel to our project countries to treat acute pain and strengthen local dental care through knowledge-sharing, training and close collaboration with local people.
05
Documentation & implementation
We systematically measure and document the impact of our work so that we know what works and can bring about lasting change. At the same time, this documentation supports local partners’ efforts to influence national decision-makers. Documented impact and long-term support are crucial to achieving lasting results.
The principles behind
Local ownership
We always work with — never for — local partners.
Capacity building
Education and training are just as important as treatment.
Evidence-based
We systematically measure and evaluate our work.
Sustainability
The aim is for local people to take over — not for us to stay.