This project, run jointly by the Anacortes (Washington) Rotary Club and Club Rotario de la Asunción of Guatemala, began in the early 1990’s and provides year-round dental service to very poor Queqchi Mayan people living in remote areas of eastern Guatemala. Volunteers serve for a minimum of ten days (although the group prefers a longer period because of the great distance to travel from Guatemala City), spending one day at the base clinic; and four days traveling to surrounding areas – setting up in local health centers, schools, churches and homes. The goal is to increase dental health knowledge and provide basic exams, fillings, extractions, and restorations. The program emphasizes a school-based program, but still includes many adults in their outreach.
Volunteers should speak English or Spanish. The volunteer must pay their own travel expenses and hotels in transit. Once at the project, their housing and basic food is provided (volunteers live in a house at the Catholic mission, San Antonio of Padua, 20 KM north of Rio Dulce), as is assistance in coordinating licenses with government and making visa arrangements.
For more information, please visit the project website page. For details about volunteering, please contact Dr. Von and Betty Kuehn, vonbetty@comcast.net, or 360/293-6006.
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