With so many other pressing needs, dental hygiene and care is often neglected by many families in Guatemala. Poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, and limited access to dentists add up to cavities, abscesses and sore mouths. In a country where most oral problems are treated by just pulling the tooth, an opportunity to visit a real dentist is rare.

But thanks to 4 volunteers, dozens of children and adults recently got that opportunity. Tom and Fred Gelhaus, two dentists and brothers from Wisconsin, came to Guatemala for 11 days to offer their services to Common Hope and the larger community in Antigua. Fred brought along his son Ben to assist him, and Tom brought a volunteer who served as his dental hygienist.

Tom has made nine trips to Guatemala, volunteering his time, equipment, supplies, and talents. He also brings along a great sense of humor, which helps put his patients at ease. During this visit, Fred and Ben worked at Common Hope’s health clinic, and Tom and Judy worked out of a school in one of the communities near Antigua. In the morning, Tom and Judy’s patients were the school children. In the afternoon, they opened the clinic to the whole community.

The clinic focused on treating the children who were having toothaches and pains, and then educating them on oral hygiene to prevent problems in the future. The dental clinic fits well with the efforts of Common Hope’s Community Health Initiative, which goes into the schools to teach about oral hygiene, basic hygiene, nutrition, and mental health.

The clinic was a curiosity for the children, who crowded around to watch them work. When asked what keeps him coming to Guatemala, Tom just looked at the children and said, “These guys.”

If you would like to help with Common Hope’s oral hygiene efforts, please consider collecting supplies like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.

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