In addition to exams, oral hygiene instructions are given along with free toothbrushes, restorative work, and extractions as needed.  Students are taught basic dental hygiene and learn about the causes of dental problems.   

To support the program, an Afghan dentist was trained by Dr. Grams in the practices and techniques of American dentists, and will provide ongoing care.  Health services such as this are not available to most Afghans, and no access to dental care or oral hygiene education, due to the prohibitive cost and the lack of skilled dental providers. 

“I believe providing dental care is an effective route to establishing interpersonal and inter-societal bonds in a time when there is a great deal of misunderstanding and conflict,” said Dr. Grams, who is helped establish the clinic with personal funds. 

Fauchard Foundation Grant awarded to Dental Clinic

ARO partnered with Dr. Grams in a grant request from the Fauchard Foundation (a dental philanthropy effort), and was notified in November 2007 that a grant of $5,500.00 has been awarded to help support the dental clinic.  This grant is an additional testimonial to the positive work and contributions of Dr. Grams.

With assistance from ARO, Dr. Grams extended his dental outreach to a girls’ school, AID Afghanistan for Education in Kabul.  Some ARO-Kabul area residents also heard about the visiting dentist, and Dr. Gram also provided them with an examination and treatment.

Dr. Grams’ time in Kabul

Before he left Kabul, Dr. Grams sent this message via email to ARO-US, “My experience here has been excellent. Everyone has been generous, appreciative and welcoming. Your group here is collection of excellent individuals. Beyond that, they work together as a great team to help the people of Afghanistan. I am fortunate to be able to be a small part of what is happening here.”

The ARO-Kabul staff and students enjoyed Dr. Grams visit and already look forward to his return!  They held a party for Dr. Grams, at which they presented him with thank you gifts to remind him of his time at ARO.

“One of the students painted a picture of me doing dental work that is quite good. It is most definitely the first time I have had my picture painted as an expression of thanks. It was a very touching gift. That, in addition to the beautiful carpet the staff gave me affirms the generosity of the ARO staff,” said Dr. Grams.

The Dental Clinic is an Ongoing Program at ARO-Kabul

Dr. Grams visited ARO’s education center previously and has provided free dental care to others in Afghanistan, as well as other developing countries.  Dr. Grams plans to return twice yearly to monitor the progress of the Afghan dentists, the clinic, and to check on the improved periodontal health of students and staff. 

On the Wish List for the Dental Clinic:

• Amalgamator – Mixes amalgam used for fillings.  The ARO dental clinic has an old one, but it does not have enough power to mix the amalgam adequately.
• Amalgam capsules
• Polishing discs for plastic fillings
• IRM, Dycal
• Ultrasonic scaler tips (either 25k or 30k)
• General dental office supplies
  

Can you help the ARO Dental Clinic?

Please contact us at info@afghanrelief.org and we’ll put you in touch with Dr. Grams