MiniMolars Cambodia e.V.

The first two working days are behind us! Here’s a brief wrap-up:

The small practice is located in the backyard of a pagoda, which is like a temple for Buddhism. Accordingly, we encounter many Buddhist monks of all ages in their orange robes. The youngest ones we estimate to be around 10 years old.

The practice consists of a room with 3 treatment chairs.

Upon arrival, we were allowed to choose our clothing and soon our first little patient was in front of us. From him, we could already sense what awaited us in the coming weeks: many cavities, milk teeth that are partly completely destroyed and only suitable for extraction, and the first permanent teeth already having begun root canal treatments and large fillings. He came in with pain in his lower jaw, where we found a deeply damaged milk tooth that we had to extract. In general, we should always ensure that the children are pain-free. If they are not in pain and do not want treatment, then we don't treat them, even though there is so much to do...

On Wednesday, there really wasn't much to do; only 4 patients came, and we were at least 5 doctors. This is probably because there was a major holiday last week. The staff on-site mentioned that not many patients come in the first week after a holiday. So, we were able to finish work relatively early, do some shopping, eat an overly spicy lunch in a small bistro, and then sneak off to the pool to enjoy the sunset.

Today, we went back to the clinic early. The first patients arrived, and we started with the treatments. Again, a few extractions and even front tooth fillings. Then a small group of students from a nearby school came with 7 children, all of whom had pain in different areas. Again, many milk teeth were extracted. A few tears were shed, but after we were able to give them gifts, everyone could smile again.

Lastly, an older lady came in with complaints. After a long back and forth, many discussions, and the refusal of the necessary extraction of a tooth, she at least allowed a root canal treatment on another tooth, for which she actually only wanted a filling. Since the discussion took place in Khmer, we were not quite sure where this would lead during those 10 minutes...

Now off home, salad for lunch and a round at the pool and into the - watch out - gym!

Now we really deserved dinner at the HotPot restaurant!

Good night and see you soon 🫰🏼