We are excited to announce our new project and grant recipient, Global Dental Relief (GDR). With GDR, we are supporting the establishment of a new dental clinic in the remote village of Chan Chen, Mexico. GDR, headquartered in Colorado, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free dental care and oral health education to children worldwide. Operating within the United States and internationally, GDR provides complete dental care to over 20,000 children each year!
The project
The remote village of Chan Chen is located over 75 miles away from any dental care options for its community, making it a full day's journey to access care. Even when accessible, families often struggle to afford dental services, leaving children to grow up without proper care. Recognizing this need, GDR will initiate the opening of a dental clinic this October to provide free, first-time dental care and oral health education to 1,400 children living in the Mayan Jungle.
Volunteer dentists, hygienists, and non-dental volunteers will work for 10 days, offering examinations, cleanings, restorations, and extractions as needed for children visiting the clinic. Each child will receive a complimentary toothbrush and fluoride application, with follow-up care provided 3 to 4 times throughout the clinic until dental health is restored.
GDR ensures continuity of care by returning every 12-18 months, bridging the gap in dental services for the community. Throughout the clinic, three sessions of extensive oral health education are provided, focusing on brushing techniques and proper nutrition. The aim is to instill lifelong habits for healthier smiles for years to come!
Volunteering at Denver Au Pair Life
At our Au Pair Life event in Denver this April, staff from GDR joined au pairs and Cultural Care staff to bundle toothbrushes for upcoming international dental clinics, totaling 3,900 toothbrushes—enough to supply four international dental clinics!
Additionally, a toothbrush donation drive was hosted, inviting all attendees to bring a toothbrush to donate to GDR, ensuring each child receives a free toothbrush. Nearly 250 toothbrushes were collected!
In partnership with Global Dental Relief and the incredible support from volunteers and donors, we're thrilled this grant will take a significant step towards improving oral health access in Chan Chen, Mexico. With the establishment of the new dental clinic, we're laying the groundwork for brighter smiles and healthier futures for the children of the Mayan Jungle!
