Today the dental clinic worked its magic on three patients who needed obturators, a type of dental prosthetic composed of molded plastic made to fit each individual defect to seal off the nasal passages from the mouth. One child, Monica, also needed some teeth extracted. I don’t think she expected Doctor Antonio Rosal Alvarez to cause her a bit of pain and numbness in her mouth while he gingerly and effectively extracted some of her teeth so fast she really didn’t realize what happened. Her mother, from Quiche, spoke Mam to her, their native language.
Three patients were seen and molds were taken from their mouths. The dentists on the delegation, Steve Aquilino and Bill Gates, worked fervently to mix the plaster and place the molds in the mouths of the patients. The following step was to make the actual obturators. The dental team will meet the patients tomorrow (Tuesday)
to fit the obturators. The dentists will show each individual how to use and care for the obturators.
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| Bill Gates in the Dental Clinic |
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| Molding an Obturator |
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| Steve Aquilino and Bill Gates with Patient and Mother |
Obturators- A Huge Success
The successful delivery of three obturators to three kids, aged 11-16 made substantial changes in the lives of these kids. The kids seemed shy but comfortable, but after the obturator was in place, the kids practiced drinking and enjoying the feel of water going down their throat instead of up and into their noses. Their smiles said it all- something made of acrylic resin, and molded to the patient’s mouth, just made their lives become a whole lot easier.
WOW, WOW! Mario screamed after drinking water and feeling it go down his throat. Both dentists and translator started giggling and hugging each other to see the sheer joy on Mario’s face. Mario has a history with the Rotary Club, he had his cleft repaired last year and came back to have his obturator fitted.
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| Another Happy Customer |
Submitted by Robyn Braverman
