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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In the outlying areas of Mexico there is great need by underserved populations for dental and vision care. This project, falling under Rotary's "Maternal and Child Health" area of focus, is primarily targeted towards children who attend local schools. Children who are in pain or who can not see clearly do not participate and fall behind their peers in gaining an education. Family members with vision problems are also at a disadvantage in gaining employment.
The community surrounding Ensenada is comprised of many families who have migrated from rural parts of southern Mexico to seek work. The cities infrastructure and support services are not able to keep up with the demand. The population growth is outstripping the ability of local social services to provide adequate care.
The project is for two dental and eye clinics. Project funds will be used to provide eyeglasses, dental supplies and the team necessary to provide this treatment. Club members, other Rotarians and volunteer dentists and opticians provide the treatments. Rotarians from Irvine and other clubs assist with transportation, setup, translation, dental education, instrument sterilization, eye examinations and prescribing glasses and other tasks.
The Irvine Rotary Club, working with the Club Rotario Ensenada Calafia, the Ensenada School District and Dental Care for Children (DCFC) created a program in 2005 for school children in the poorest areas; whether in existing schools or schools in new areas.
Irvine Rotary members, other Rotarians and volunteer dental and vision professionals travel to Ensenada twice a year, Fall and Spring, to hold a one-day dental clinic open to all children in a selected school. In one day, the dental team treats between 50 and 100 children, providing up to $60,000 worth of free services. At the same time, vision checks are provided for each child and other family members. Free glasses are prescribed and supplied where needed.
Dental Care for Children supplies all supplies and equipment for 12 complete dental stations. They coordinate the dentists from the United States as well as the USC Dental School student volunteers. The Ensenada Calafia Rotary Club coordinates the Ensenada-based dental volunteers.
DENTAL CLINICS
The Irvine Rotary Club, working with the Club Rotario Ensenada Calafia, the Ensenada school district and Dental Care for Children, which coordinates volunteer dental professionals, a one-day dental clinic for all of the children in a selected school. In each clinic, the dental team treats 50-100 children, providing from $25,000 to $60,000 worth of free services.
EYE CLINICS
As part of the dental clinic, children and family members will have their eyesight tested. A professional optician, a Rotarian from Central California, will accompany the group and will bring approximately 500 pair of glasses to each clinic. Glasses will be prescribed and provided free where needed. Approximately 500 pairs of glasses will be brought and excess glasses will be donated to a local eye-care professional to continue the program in areas of need.
TOTAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Approximately $240,000
EXPENSES
Dental supplies are estimated at around 8% of provided services. This is the national average from the American Dental Association. Irvine Rotary will provide $9,000 towards the supplies. Irvine Rotary will also provide $1,000 towards the purchase of glasses for a total contribution of $10,000. The remainder will be solicited from volunteers and others wishing to contribute. All supplies and glasses will be purchased in the United States and transported to the clinics. Dental Care for Children and the Rotarian optician will handle the purchase and transportation. All funds will be controlled by Irvine Rotary and only released upon proper receipts and verification by Rotarian members.
There are five components to each clinic:
1. Restorative treatment of existing problems:
The clinics are equipped to offer the same services a patient would expect to find in a general dentist's office. Each patient that participates is given a comprehensive oral exam, including digital x-rays when indicated. Comprehensive treatment may include:
Digital X-rays
Cleanings
Scaling and root planing
Composite & amalgam fillings
Stainless steel crowns
Pulpotomies
Root Canals
Extractions
Composite veneers
Other necessary treatments
2. Preventative treatment (sustainability):
Sealants and/or fluoride applications are provided to most patients to help prevent or reduce future problems and increase the sustainability of the provided treatments.
Dental sealants (preventative)
Fluoride treatment (preventative)
3. Oral health education (sustainability):
This consists of explaining proper dental care for all family members. A toothbrush and toothpaste is provided to each child.
5. Eye Examinations and Glasses:
This service is provided not only for children, but all family members. Approximately 500 pairs of glasses will be brought to each clinic. After vision exams and glasses have been prescribed, excess glasses are donated to a local optician who will continue the program in areas of need.
5. School improvement:
This portion varies based upon what is identified by the Ensenada Calafia Rotary club. Past improvements have included painting, furnishing sports equipment, planting shrubs and/or trees, contributions of clothing, school supplies, toys and books.
SCHEDULED DATES
Fall Clinic: October 25, 2014
Spring Clinic: March 21, 2015
School selection is arranged by Rotary Club Ensenada Calafia approximately 2 weeks prior to each trip.
ROTARIAN INVOLVEMENT
Rotarians from Irvine and Ensenada Calafia Rotary clubs participate in the planning and execution of the clinics. Planning involves working with the Ensenada School District officials to select the elementary school most in need.
On the day of the clinic, Rotarian dental professionals direct and assist the professional volunteers in identifying and treating patients.
Club members from the two clubs, normally around 10 to 20, help with check-in, check-out, record keeping, translation, scheduling, dental assistance, hygiene assistance, oral health education, sterilization and selected school improvement projects.
HOST CLUB INFORMATION
Club Rotario Ensenada Calafia - #31897, D4100
Primary Contact:
PDG Lupita Creo
Calle 10a. num 259-3
Ensenada, BC, México 22800
Office: 011 52 (646) 174 0951
Mobile: 0446461715869
lupitacreo@hotmail.com
PROJECT BENEFITS AND IMPACT
How many people will benefit from this project?
Each clinic treats between 70 and 100 children. When there is time, we also treat other family members.
What are the expected long-term community impacts of the project?
Children who are in pain or who can not see clearly do not participate in school, denying them a basic education. Education is a key factor for economic growth and independence.
How can this project be sustained? Will this be a one-time or an ongoing project?
Like many health projects, simply treating a patient is not necessarily sustainable. Sustainability comes from the educational component of each project.
While the overall program is ongoing, each project/clinic treats a different school population. Historically with other dental projects in a more controlled environment (such as an orphanage), continued treatment, education and attention to oral hygiene greatly improves patient health. The transient nature surrounding Ensenada, coupled with the influx of new, uneducated and impoverished families makes it difficult to monitor overall effectiveness.
PROJECT FINANCES
A separate bank account, as required for an international project, has been established and will be used for financial transactions (deposits and expenditures).
ADMINISTRATION
The condition of a separate account to handle the funds for an International project is in place.
PROJECT PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY
Announcements are made well in advance of the clinic to call for volunteers. Dental professionals volunteer from the USC Dental School as well as dentists from Irvine, Ensenada and elsewhere.
During the clinic, all students and family members receive a Rotary wheel sticker at check-in. The wheel appears in photos but also helps identify students and family members.
After each clinic the results, Irvine Rotary's Public Relations team will submit photos and stories to the Orange County Register, the Irvine World News and the club and District websites and social media pages.
The project will be added to the District 5320 database of projects as well as the Project Showcase at Rotary International.
Addendum to Project Description (added after the project was signed)
Note: EYE CLINICS
Excess glasses were retained by Rotarian Dr. Fred Stellhorn for future Rotary vision clinics in the United States, Mexico and Central America.
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