In March 2008, we had the opportunity to accompany an oral surgeon, Brian Simpson, to Lima, Peru with an education-based volunteer program, Health Volunteer Overseas (HVO). During the time in Lima, we were able to assist and guide the dental faculty, staff, and students in the hospital’s dental clinic. Though we got hands on experience, the organization’s primary focus is on educating the dental professionals in Peru. We gave multiple lectures on the different facets of dentistry.
We mainly lectured on the topic of orthodontics. Specifically, how we at Clemente Orthodontics treat our patients. Included in our lecture was our Phase I treatment, the Growth Modification Appliance (GMA), and how with early treatment we can greatly improve arch size and bite relationship. This form of early treatment lays a good foundation if and when braces will be needed later on. This was particularly interesting to them because many people cannot afford braces.
We also lectured on the type of braces we use, retention, and other treatment options, such as Invisalign®.
We lectured to three different groups of professionals, which consisted of Lima’s dental society, Asciacion Ateneo Peruano de Ortopedia Maxilar; the hospital, Red Asistencial Almenara; and the dental university, Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. For my time in Peru, the school awarded me with a recognition certificate.
– Dr. Marissa & Dr. Michael