In September, Dr. Owens took part in a humanitarian expedition to deliver dental care to underprivileged Guatemalans. The team of dentists and hygienists who donated their time traveled to Chiquimula, a small city in the northwest region of the country, which became home base.
Dr. Owens and his colleagues ventured out each day into the surrounding villages to set up makeshift clinics, which were usually located in cinder block schoolhouses. From these clinics, the dentists provided basic oral healthcare with supplies and instruments brought from home. Portable dental units powered by an air compressor aided in filling cavities, and in villages with no electricity, the dental team used a generator.
In total, seven dentists and ten assistants placed more than 500 fillings and extracted more than 1200 teeth. All in only ten days! Along with the dental team, Dr. Owens enjoyed using his professional training to improve oral health in Guatemala.
Funding for the trip was provided by the Hirsche Smiles Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides health services to underprivileged children around the world. A local community development group called ASORECH coordinated the selection of villages.