2 minute read
Global Clinic Improves Lives of Guatemalans
CARE + COMMUNITY
Global Clinic Improves Lives of Guatemalans
When Elizabeth Shick, DDS, MPH, associate professor at the CU School of Dental Medicine, first heard of 8-year-old Alejandro's condition, she knew he needed immediate care. His face was swollen and he was in tremendous pain. He was lying on a cot on the floor, nearly incoherent. Alejandro’s parents said he hadn’t been to school in weeks, and they could not afford to take him to a doctor. The infection was so advanced that without proper care, Alejandro was likely several days from death.
Aida Ralda, MD, a quick-thinking Guatemalan doctor who was leading home visits for Zika research, gave Alejandro antibiotics to reduce the infection and ease the pain so he could receive treatment at the Trifinio Center for Human Development. There, CU School of Dental Medicine students extracted six teeth that were beyond repair and had caused this life-threatening infection. “Just a day or two after we extracted his teeth, Alejandro was doing much better. His infection and swelling quickly resolved, and he was able to smile without pain. This positive outcome was made possible by the concerted efforts of the dental students and the Guatemalan team of researchers and doctors,” said Dr. Shick.
Several times every year, Dr. Shick leads a cohort of students to Guatemala to serve in the Trifinio Center for Human Development, a collaborative health center involving programs throughout the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. This rural clinic was founded in 2014 with generous philanthropic investments from the Jose Fernando Bolaños Family Foundation, and today serves 22 communities and more than 30,000 people.
The CU School of Dental Medicine Global Health Program has two primary goals: to teach students about treating underserved populations and caring for Guatemalans who oftentimes lack access to dental care. Dr. Shick said, “This program helps build empathetic and caring dental providers who will be really open to every patient once when they start their careers.”
Dental student Craig Testerman was part of a recent Global Health Program visit to Guatemala. His experience is inspiring him to care for underserved populations. “It is important to realize that there are other populations that don’t have access to the care we enjoy,” he said.
“I am more committed than ever to serve those who can’t afford care, and I hope to someday help people around the world again.”
Guatemala is among the poorest countries in Latin America, and most communities lack access to basic health care. Many adults and their families will never visit a dentist; those who do often have to travel several hours to a clinic.
“In our five years of traveling to Guatemala, we have seen patients over and over again, and watched their dental hygiene improve,” said Dr. Shick. “Seeing their smiles and knowing they are no longer in pain is gratifying, and I’m excited that dental students can see such a positive impact of their work.”
