16 years of missions

Part of OIT’s International Externship Program and Medical Teams International, the trip marks 16 years of similar educational missions for dental hygiene students. Past destinations included the Ukraine, Honduras and Costa Rica. Participating students are responsible for all expenses, totaling about $2,500.

“They pay for all of it,” said Leo DuBray, OIT assistant professor of humanities and social sciences. “That’s a lot for a college student.”

DuBray will travel to the clinic Oct. 17 with a film crew to document the trip.

The expedition is Gordon’s fifth trip with OIT. She estimates an average of 50 to 60 patients a day will be treated, much less than clinics at some of her other destinations.

“I’ve gone on trips where (lines) have been unending,” she said. 

Cavities and gum disease will be the most typical problems. More severe cases like cleft palate and infected roots need to be handled by a specialist. When teams like Gordon’s are not present, most dental emergencies are handled by pulling the tooth.

“They don’t have access to even a store, much less money to buy a toothbrush,” Gordon said. “They’re very remote.”

Good for students

Gordon said program participants would provide about  $200,000 worth of care. In her experience, the number of patients students treat is very beneficial.

“In two weeks I think they get more experience on actual clinical work than they will get at school,” she said.