Serving Over 800 People

We partnered with The Roots Network and Dream Medical Center who brought dental professionals from Rwanda, India, Canada, Korea, and the US to join hands and hearts for a two-day mobile clinic in Kayego, located in Gatisbo district in the Eastern Province, a three-hour drive outside of Kigali. Here, we set up 8 dental stations and screened over 800 children. We provided dental treatments to many children and adults in the community.
 
We discovered that 70% of the children were suffering from dental fluorosis, which is caused by absorbing too much fluoride over a long period when the teeth are forming under the gums. Fluorosis can cause white or brown discoloration on tooth enamel or irregularities on the tooth surface. The effects are permanent and may darken over time. Some cases were severe, including tooth loss. Only children aged 8 years and younger are at risk because this is when permanent teeth are developing; children older than 8 years, adolescents, and adults cannot develop dental fluorosis. In communities where natural levels exceed 2 parts per million, the CDC recommends that parents give children water from other sources. Kageyo had 2.7 ppm of Fluoride.  We made a report of the data collected and submitted our findings to the Ministry of Health for further investigation and resolution of this issue.
 
In addition to providing screenings, extractions and fillings, we had the opportunity to pray with many. As Lita talked with the child featured, she shared the gospel message, explaining how much the Lord loved him. At that moment, he accepted Jesus as his
savior! Truly a wonderful day!