Our dental team is gearing up for our 4 th dental mission trip to Uganda, East Africa! The seed for this ministry was planted in 2013 when we first became acquainted with Welcome Home Orphanage in Jinja, Uganda while on a family mission trip. Over the next 2 years, our family maneuvered through the international adoption process and created many long lasting friendships there. The need for dental care became quite evident during that time, both for the children and the amazing team of individuals taking care of them.
(Photos provided by Kathy Graff)
In 2019 the dream became a reality as our first dental team traveled to Uganda and set up a temporary dental clinic near the Welcome Home Orphanage. With amazing support from family, friends, church and the local dental community, we were able to return in 2022 and 2024. We were also able to expand our dental services to the people of a nearby village called Lwambogo. Over those 3 trips we screened approximately 500 people and provided dental services for 180 individuals. In that setting, we prescribe medication for infections and provide treatment including fillings and removal of unsavable teeth. We also focused on teaching the kids and adults good oral hygiene habits and were so excited in 2024 after screening approximately 64 kids at Welcome Home Orphanage to find that none of them had cavities! WooHoo!!
It has been so rewarding for our team to help people get out of pain, be able to eat comfortably and to renew smiles! Since we have been able to return to the same area, it has also been amazing to build relationships with the people of the Jinja and Lwanbogo communities. Practicing dentistry in a 3 rd world country really helps us appreciate our Montrose community and luxuries like running water, reliable electricity and having x-ray capabilities! If you’d like to learn more about this dental mission, please give us a call at #970-249-4917. To learn more about Welcome Home Orphanage, visit their website at WelcomeHomeAfrica.com.
