Christopher Sprout, a dentist in Golden CO, completed 7 days of volunteer dentistry in Ecuador in early August 2012. He traveled with 15 other medical personnel from the US with the Global Outreach International organization. Prior to his trip, Dr. Sprout received donations of dental materials from several dental suppliers to use while treating patients in Ecuador.
Dr. Sprout and a local dentist from Ecuador treated approximately 200-225 patients ranging in age from 3-85. About 1100 people came to the one week health fair in Banos, Ecuador. Through an interpreter, he gave his patients suggestions on ways to prevent cavities and to help them understand the importance of dental health. His reward was seeing the patients smile at him when he was finished.
Dr. Sprout said it was a beautiful country and he felt safe and welcome during his trip. On his first morning there, he awoke to a local volcano rumbling and spewing ash. Overall, he had a wonderful experience and hopes to be able to do it again in the future.
