Michel's Family Dental Trip to Kenya

After the Koins July expedition departed Kenya, there was a group that came in, organized by Lisa Michels, the mother of Sean Michels, and the one responsible for the idea and the funding of the Sean Michels School for Special Needs Children.

Lisa and her family have made several trips to Kenya, but this trip had an entirely different focus.  They brought dentists with them, with a plan to set up a dental clinic on the porch of the KCC and take care of as many dental patients as possible in the time allotted.

It was a stunning success.  There were many, many Kenyans who had fillings done, teeth repaired and pulled.  Most of those had never been to a dentist.  Many came to the KCC in desperation, having dealt with tooth pain for months, and sometimes years.  With no access to a dentist, the villagers have no option but to deal with the pain and sometimes even resort to pulling out their own teeth.  We hope this is the first of many dental trips.



Click here to read about their trip and to watch slideshows of their experience.

Asante, Lisa.  Your organization and planning paid off in a big way for our villagers.  Many are sleeping better, feeling better and looking better, thanks to your dental group!

IVL

First Dental Team in Koins Service Area

The Wasuita's and their first patient, Joseph Shanga

Dr. Michael Wasuita and his wife Betty were the 1st dentist team to visit and do humanitarian denistry in Mnyenzeni and Bofu as a part of the Koins for Kenya Foundation.

Line of patients waiting to see the dentist

It was a very educational and rewarding experience. The part of the opportunity that appealed to us was that we would be able to alleviate some serious discomfort for people who didn't have too many options other than endure the pain.  Our first patient had a dangling fractured front tooth he had dealt with for two months. He could hardly eat anything for fear of the pain. We were able to see 65 patients and extract 50 teeth.  It was essential to have the help of several people to explain the procedures, especially nurse Naomi Price. We did learn a few Swahili words but we couldn't have provided the service we did without the help of interpreters.The people were very accepting of us and welcomed us. Some had a fear of the needle used to administer the anesthetic and wouldn't let us treat them. Some had problems that needed a drill for back up which we did not have. 

Dr. Wasuita and a patient in makeshift dental office

  Two things that surprised us in Africa were the garbage that laid around and was ignored, mostly in Mombasa and that so many people in Mnyenzeni had cell phones that lived in mud huts with dirt floors.  We were very impressed with the character of the Kenyans.  They seemed to have a deep but humble pride about themselves.  We didn't see one tear during all those extractions.

  We enjoyed the children, their singing and dancing,their happy and joyful attitudes so happy but yet so primitive. We saw a school yard full of children playing soccer with a ball made out of wound up string.  We felt very rewarded for the time we spent there and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.   

Mike and Betty Wasuita

We know the villagers of the Koins service area appreciated the simple dental work the Wasuita's provided.  In an area where there are no dentists, you can only imagine the relief having a painful broken tooth pulled would provide.  

Asante Sana!

IVL