A Visit to the Dentist

Morning Day 3 and Day 5

~ by Win Brandon ~

On Monday morning, we arose early to a cool, overcast morning. We gathered for the Solace breakfast buffet enjoyed on the outdoor veranda and followed with our morning devotion and we split the group. One group headed to the Bumbogo center and our group headed to Nduba for a unique presentation. Our group consisted of Dr. Rick Goad, a retired dentist, and his 3 assistants – Susie Leblanc, Win Brandon and Peggy Karg.

Upon arrival at the Nduba center, a group of mothers had already gathered in anticipation of the dental hygiene clinic to be presented by Dr. Rick, a 42-year veteran of the profession. Dr. Rick presented his background to the ladies and proceeded to outline the basic reasons for proper dental hygiene, including appearance (smile), ability to chew food, oral health, and pleasant breath. He also explained that poor oral hygiene can cause pain and extra expense as well as creating other health issues related to one’s overall health. He explained optimal brushing was twice a day, morning and evening, and that parents should brush the teeth of their children up to age 10 at which time the children (if physically able) should have developed the skill and understanding to be responsible for their own brushing.

Dr. Rick then requested a volunteer from the mothers’ group. A young mom came forward and Dr. Rick asked her to demonstrate her brushing technique using a model of the mouth. He complimented her on her technique and then reviewed the most common mistakes generally made when brushing teeth. He explained: (1) use only a small amount of toothpaste, (2) use a light grip (“a pencil grip”) on the toothbrush, (3) the proper angle of the toothbrush (slightly angled toward the gumline), and (4) light brushing pressure in a circular motion (use the “wiggle-jiggle method”). [An informal group discussion ahead of the presentation unanimously concluded that the “fist grip” and “chain-saw brushing” techniques used by Mike Ribelin are not recommended methods, even though they have worked for him …]

Upon completion, Dr. Rick conducted a demonstration of the sufficiency of brushing. He asked Susie and Win to chew a tablet and rinse, which we did. We then sat in a chair and Dr. Rick used a flashlight to shine in our open mouths noting purple spots on the areas of the teeth where we had not completely cleaned the teeth. Dr. Rick then performed the same experiment on a couple of the staff members, including Gilbert, and a couple of the mothers, which the greatly enjoyed, especially when Dr. Rick gave Gilbert high marks for his brushing. (Dr. Rick neglected to mention to Win and Susie that we would have purple smiles all day). 😉

Dr. Rick continued by reviewing other oral hygiene tips to remember to make the mother’s jobs easier (since they already have many responsibilities daily, especially concerning their disabled children). He explained that the biggest single cause of tooth decay is sugar and, more importantly, leaving sugar on the teeth overnight. He suggested that brushing should be done in the evening after the children have finished eating for the day, helping to prevent decay.

Upon completion of his presentation, Dr. Rick solicited questions from the mothers. Several of the mothers asked specific questions about particular dental problems being experienced by their children and others asked general questions about oral hygiene; however, the most rewarding part of the morning was way in which the mother’s group received the information presented with an open mind and an attitude of acceptance in order to continue to improve the lives of their children, especially those with special needs, through the blessing of Love with Action.

As an encouragement for attendance at the oral hygiene seminar, Dr. Rick’s assistants gave each mother and each staff member one adult and one child’s toothbrush along with 2 tubes of toothpaste to help them put into practice what they had learned.
On Wednesday morning, Dr. Rick presented the oral hygiene seminar again at the Bumbogo center and it is reported that the second seminar was also well received by an enthusiastic audience of mothers. Apparently, Andy DeScala gave an informal demonstration of “wiggle-jiggle”, only without a toothbrush in her hand, and brought a big laugh to the group.

Dr. Rick gave a second seminar on Wednesday at Bumbogo center that was also well received. His assistants that day were Andy DeScala, Alice Jensen and Eric Jensen. The “tablet test” staining Andy and Eric’s teeth brought a good laugh from the group. Alice ensured all attendees got toothbrushes and toothpaste.

And… from the “can you believe it” category, on Thursday, we traveled from Kigali to Rubavu and on the journey we stopped for a brief rest and refreshment in Nyirangarama. While we were there, I noticed a health center across the street with a sign which said “Lifeline Dental Services”, so Dr. Rick and I paid it a visit and were rewarded by meeting the local “dental therapist”. He was incredibly friendly and quickly warmed up to Dr. Rick, then gave us a tour of his clinic dental room complete with dental chair and X-ray machine. He and Dr. Rick were enjoying sharing about their work when we were summoned back to the vehicles to continue our journey to Rubavu. God continues to bless us richly here in Rwanda.