Dental Team to Honduras

Honduras is the poorest country in Central America. Unfortunately, the geographic location of the country makes it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes, droughts and floods. Several devastating disasters over the years have drained the Honduran economy and continue to prevent the government from offering adequate health services to the entire population. Over 50% of the Honduran population live below the national poverty line with 35% of the population living on less than $2 per day. In recent months, Honduras has suffered from political turmoil that has resulted in the international community cutting off foreign aid, making it even harder for those in need to receive assistance.

Based on a survey done by the Public Ministry of Health of Honduras, the Oral Health Division, the Department of Science and Technology, the Pan American Health Organization, WHO, INCAP (Central American Institute of Nutrition) and UNICEF, Honduras DMF index (Decay, Missed and Filled) sits at a high 9.8. This means that the average Honduran has nine teeth affected by decay.

One out of every two students in Honduras has a tooth that has been extracted because of decay. All this is due to the limited preventive measures and services available throughout the country. Additionally, dental treatments are available to only a small percentage of the country’s population, mainly because of the high expenses related to accessing these kinds of services.

This team will provide dental and oral hygiene services and training to 250 school age children in the rural community of Ampala, Honduras.