

Dental Project Nepal
Established in the year 2004, Sairam Dental Care is a leading dental service provider in Chitwan, Nepal. It is one of the core missions of Sairam Dental Care to provide basic dental health treatment to underprivileged people living in remote areas of Nepal. Since its inception, Sairam has been conducting several events aiming to promote the oral hygiene of people living in Southern Nepal. So far we have reached out to 20,000 estimated poor and deprived people from various communities. Free dental treatments and oral hygiene kits that we provide to the patients in our social events has had a positive impact in the dental health of these communities. As a part of our commitment to improve the oral hygiene of needy people we have also teamed up with International Association of Dental Students(IADS) in the past two years to hold voluntary camps in remote Nepal.
The International Association of Dental Students (IADS) is a non governmental organization that represents dental students in some 60 countries worldwide. It was founded in September 1951, during the first IADS General Assembly that took place in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was formed to unite the dental students of the world and allow them to exchange knowledge and experiences about dentistry at an international level. As the only worldwide association for dental students, we represent the future members of the dental profession at a worldwide level.
Nepal is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People’s Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181 square kilometers (56,827 sq mi) and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world’s 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the capital of the nation and a treasure house of ancient art and culture. Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multilingual country. Manifestation of autonomy to the major castes in their respective dominion can bring all people in the mainstream of development. So, these parties have brought forth the provision of federal system of government. The second amendment in the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 has also accepted this notion. Federal system involves dual government system: state government and central government. Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic. The mountainous north has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest called Sagarmatha in Nepali. It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level.The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 93 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Nepal is the most beautiful and stunning Himalayan country in the world. Though small in size, it is known in the world as a nation of color and contrasts-a hidden Shangri-La of nature, culture and adventure. In the countryside the way of life is still traditional, nature is at its best, high mountains and lush valleys are ideal places for trekking and mountaineering, flora and fauna invites a nature lover for a rendezvous with them.Nepal and Himalayas-the two names go side by side. Nepal, in political maps, is one of the smallest countries in the world but has the amazingly diverse geography, landscapes, culture, and traditions. Nepal, situated in the lapse of might Himalayas, is regarded as Dev Bhumi the land of gods and world’s two major religions Hinduism and Buddhism co-exist in perfect religious tolerance. Nepal is rich with traditions of art and culture.


Kathmandu
Pokhara
Chitwan
Advances in technology has made this world a global village. But still a large number of people do not have access to primary dental care. Sairam Dental Care has been providing primary dental care for the poor and underprivileged community of Chitwan as a social responsibility for the past 10 years. We have conducted more than 200 dental camps in community, governmental schools, orphanages and elderly homes. This project aims to provide the attendees an insight of the oral health problems faced by the people in this part of the world. We believe, this provides a platform to learn, share and exchange knowledge, discuss challenges and present original ideas. At the same time, this brings smiles to the community’s faces. I assure you, this will be an enjoyable event where you will be exploring Nepal’s beauty naturally as well as socially. We would like to give our special thanks to IADS all who have helped and contributed to make this event happen. Best regards, Dr. Saru Thapa Executive Director Sairam Dental Care
On behalf of the organisers, Sairam Dental Care, International Association of Dental Students and the supporter Ratnanagar Government Hospital, Dental department, I would like to welcome attendees to the Dental Project in Chitwan, Nepal. May I extend our sincere thanks to the International Association of Dental Students, our organising committee staffs and organisations who have helped bringing this event to you. I assure you that you will have a memorable event with lots of learning opportunity working with the community.If you require any assistance, or have any comments during the program, our organising committee staff will be delighted to assist you. All of our team look forward to meeting you where you will be assured of a warm welcome. We trust your visit to Nepal proves worthwhile and rewarding. Best regards, Dr. Ajay Neupane Medical Superintendent Ratnanagar Government hospital 
President, IADS
Chairman International Voluntary Committee IADS

27 February
Arrival in Tribhuwan International Airport Rest in Kathmandu Hotel 21:00 - Dinner
2 March
(Pokhara, Chitwan) 6:00 - Breakfast 6:30 - Leave for Chitwan 14:00 - Arrival at Chitwan 14:30 - Lunch 18:00 - Welcome Ceremony 21:00 - Dinner
5 March
(Camp) 8:00 - Breakfast 9:00 - Leave for the dental camp venue 9:30 - Dental Camp Begins 13:00 - Lunch 16:00 - Dental Camp Ends 17:00 - Depart for Sauraha 18:30 - Arrival at Sauraha Resort 19:00 - Welcome Dinner 20:00 - Recreational Activities
28 February
(Kathmandu, Pokhara) 6:00 - Breakfast 7:00 - Leave for River Rafting 10:30 - Lunch 11:00 - River Rafting 14:00 - Rafting Ends 14:30 - Depart for Pokhara 18:30 - Arrival at Pokhara 19:30 - Dinner
3 March
(Camp) 6:30 - Breakfast 9:00 - Leave for the dental camp venue 9:30 - Dental Camp Begins 13:00 - Lunch 17:00 - Dental Camp Ends 17:30 - Back to Resort 19:30 - Dinner 20:00 - Recreational Activities
6 March
(Sauraha) 8:00 - Breakfast 9:30 - Depart for Government School 10:00 - Government School Brushing Program 14:00 - Lunch followed by day rest 20:00 - Dinner
1 March
(Pokhara) 7:00 - Breakfast Paragliding Sight seeing 12:00 - Lunch Boating in Phewa Lake 20:00 - Dinner
4 March
(Camp) 7:30 - Breakfast 9:00 - Leave for the dental camp venue 9:30 - Dental Camp Begins 13:00 - Lunch 17:00 - Dental Camp Ends 17:30 - Back to Resort 19:30 - Dinner 20:00 - Recreational Activities 7 March
(Sauraha) 8:00 - Breakfast 8:30 - Elephant Breeding Center 10:00 - Elephant Bath 12:00 - Lunch 13:00 - Elephant Safari 20:00 - Dinner
8 March
(Chitwan) 7:00 - Breakfast Hiking Maula Kalika Sight seeing 12:00 - Lunch Devghat Tour 18:00 - Closing Ceremony 20:00 - Dinner
9 March
(Chitwan, Kathmandu) 6:00 - Breakfast 6:30 - Back to Kathmandu 12:30 - Arrival at Kathmandu Hotel 13:00 - Lunch 13:30 - Sightseeing 18:30 - Evening Shopping 20:00 - Dinner
10 March
(Kathmandu, -) 7:00 - Breakfast Departure
Q: Who will we be serving? A: The project will present multiple opportunities to interact with patients of all age group from remote Nepal. You will be traveling to rural areas around chitwan for the dental camp. We estimate serving over 1000 patients, majority of whom had no access to dental care. You will also see school going children and get a chance to demonstrate them the proper oral hygiene techniques.
Q: Do I need to have experience in healthcare to volunteer? A: Not at all. While much of our work revolves around the provision of dental care, there are plenty of equally important tasks to be undertaken.
Q: Do I need to speak Nepali to be volunteer? A: No. We encourage you to test the limits of your comfort zone and learn something new, but there will be plenty of bilingual volunteers available to help you translate.
Q: What personal items should I bring with me? A: The Dental Project in Nepal will cover a spectrum of activities ranging from dental camps, dental seminars, elephant safari, rafting etc. Hence, we would like to suggest some additional clothing that you will need. For dental camps, you need to bring a white coat(apron), masks , caps & gloves of your size and a head lamp. Suggestion. 1-2 white coats, 1-2 box of masks, gloves & caps of your size. Also, we will have 3 formal programs namely Opening Ceremony, Dental Seminar and Closing Ceremony. So, you may wish to bring along formal clothes for the same. Suggestion : suits and formal shoes. For adventurous activities such as rafting, cycling, elephant safari, elephant bath,
 village walk and paragliding(cost not covered) you may wish to bring appropriate clothing.
Q. What will the weather be like The average temperature in February is around 20- 30 degree celsius. Mornings and evenings are generally cool and the afternoons warm. Kathmandu is at an altitude of 1400m, Pokhara at 880m and Chitwan at 200m. So, please expect the weather of Chitwan to be slightly warmer than Kathmandu or Pokhara. The best option would be to wear layered clothes. Generally a light jacket or a jumper will be sufficient to keep yourself warm during this season. During a sunny day, a normal T-shirt will be sufficient. .
Q. What will the accommodation arrangements be A: As the accommodation in the hotel is based on twin sharing basis, please specify if you require us to make an arrangement with your preferred friend. Normally, the arrangement will be made so that the hotel room is shared by 2 same gender participants.Â
Q: How much does it cost to participate? A: The cost of participation for this camp is US$850(excluding airfare and VISA costs). This amount covers costs for each of the meals, the lodging, transportation, and group activity fees for the allotted time. It does NOT cover airfare, VISA charge, personal souvenir costs, paragliding, or the cost of alcoholic beverages during the work week. 
Dental camps in developing countries like Nepal provide excellent opportunities for learning, research and advocacy for policy changes. Sai Ram Dental Hospital has proven over the years that with good community service, you build trust and respect in the community. Dr Saru and Dr Ajay Neupane have lead by example and have proven that much can be achieved with limited resources when you have the determination to make a difference in the lives of people who have very little. Pragati Ghimire, MD MPH Consultant Epidemiologist University of South Florida
When I learned about Dental Project Nepal 2017, I did not hesitate even for a while. Joining the team was the best decision in my life. The satisfaction I felt while helping the patients was immense. With Dental Project Nepal, we were able to help many patients, who normally cannot visit a dentist. I learned much with more experienced doctors. Dental Project Nepal is not only work, but also sightseeing, new friendships with amazing people full of energy. I think that every young doctor should participate in a similar project. These are precious memories that can change your attitude and change your life. I would love to take part in a similar project again. ElĹźbieta KĹ‚osowska Participant, Poland, DPN 2017
I will never forget my time in Nepal! Helping local community was one of the most rewarding experiences I have participated in. Nepal people are very Friendly and they did their best to make us feel like at home. Apart from treating patients, seeing local places of culture I will never forget visit at Himalayan Golf Course where I managed to play entire round. I would highly recommend Nepal Dental Project to anyone who is ready to make memories that
lasts a lifetime! Dominika Antoniszczak Participant, Poland, DPN 2017
It was the best experience of my life. I worked, I learned, I played, I dance, I sing, I saw wonderful places and beautiful people, I met new friends, I had really fun..so what else?? Everyone should do a similar experience to became a more good dentist and above all a more good person. You'll understand the real life value and you'll humanly growth. I'll say forever thank you to Nepali people. Davide Casoraro Participant, Italy, DPN 2017
It was an Amazing experience and it was a Great pleasure working with International professions and students from different countries. I'll bring forever in my heart the eyes and grateful glance of all the People Who came to the camp! It was for me an important way to look at me out of my "comfort zone". I leave Nepal with the hope to come back here another time, one more time. I'm grateful to all the People Who helped us during the dental camp and during our experience all over Nepal. My heart is full of emotions! Thank you and Namaste! Francesco Pasquariello Participant, Italy, DPN 2017
This Dental-Humane experience made me face a different culture, another kind of life and way Of being, but all of us were there for the same reason: helping. I have met outstanding people which i really appreciated from the bottom Of my heart, they are students like me or young doctors or even professors full Of knowledge. We were a great team together, i want to say we "are" because i am sure we are taking more than a
Little part of this Nepal we have enjoyed jointly in our everyday Life. Going back to Italy has been harder then ever, but i hope i will see you very soon so i keep smiling like the nepalese inhabitants that are able to give you everything from the nothing they have. I will be glad to come back again and as i told to the extraordinary Dr. Saru and Dr. Ajay, a piece of my heart will Always be with the children and the patients in the fields Of Nepal. Thank you Elisa Peroni Participant Italy, DPN 2017
Never ending peace and love: Nepal the place i got in love during the dental camp i joined there. Words can not describe the beauty of the people and place there. Being there for me was priceless and life changing. Gave me the chance to help and improve and more gave me a new family and friends for life. Looking forward to be back. Thank you Dr Saru and Dr. Ajay for making this dental camp happen and i wish you for more and more!
Camelia Participant, Romania, DPN 2016 Autumn,
Many travellers from every corner of the world have followed the luring call of Nepal's diverse nature. So naturally, I listened when it reached my ears by way of a dental project in March of 2016. The Dental Project of Nepal 2016, put together by hard-working Nepali dentists who truly understand the meaning of hospitality, showed me Nepal's breathtaking natural beauties. But it also brought the truly remarkable humbleness, kindness and thankfulness Nepali people portrayed when given dental treatment during the project but also when facing their lives troubles, to my attention. I want to thank Dr. Saru Thapa, Dr. Ajay Neupane and all the others involved for organizing such an impressionable 15 days. Teresa Close Participant, Germany, DPN 2016 
Accommodation will be provided in hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan 
During dental camp we will make our best effort for participants to perform more cases of extraction, restoration and scaling cases under supervision of senior dental surgeon. Participants will be taken to government school for dental education program.