Doctor Steve Merrill
Dental Director

"Doing MY part, How about You"

I traveled with Medical Wings International to India, Nicaragua, Honduras, Russia, and most recently to Peru. In Peru, more than 1100 patients braved the heat for hours seeking healthcare, the work is hard and the days are long, nonetheless it is an amazing and rewarding opportunity.

In 1998, Founder and President Glenda Johnson blessed with vision, passion and energy to help the people of the world, met with the leaders of American Airlines, resulting in the creation of Medical Wings International.

I recently spoke to the senior class at the University Of Mississippi School Of Dentistry on the benefits of mission work. MWI’s missions provides the most basic dentistry, not surprising this care is sometimes life saving. As always, we stress prevention while teaching oral health and hygiene to those seeking care.

I am very proud to be a part of a good standing organization and invite others to be a part of the great work Medical Wings International is doing, both here and abroad. MWI appreciates and can only operate with the support from people like you, give of your money if not your time. Ninety-eight percent of all funds donated to MWI goes directly to mission work. I will be doing my part, how about you?

Josefita Candelaria
Dental Hygiene Coordinator
Healthy Smiles

Oral health is deteriorating in developing countries due to lifestyle changes and industrialization. Over the last several years there has been a dramatic increase in sugar consumption. In some developing countries over 50% of 12 year olds have dental decay. The problem is compounded even further due to a lack of dental manpower. This has resulted in much pain and infection in these impoverished people. In addition, all of this untreated dental disease will lead to many future dental problems.

Periodontal disease(gum/bone problems) is also a major problem. The majority of children in the developing world have gingivitis. Many adults in these countries have the initial stage of periodontitis, swollen gums and bone loss in the jaws, and some have advanced periodontitis.

Medical Wings goes to these countries to not only treat but more importantly to emphasize preventative dentistry. The dental team hygienist teaches a specific class on oral healthcare. First of all, she discusses the importance of using toothpaste. Next, she shows the patients how much toothpaste to use and discusses how long and how hard to brush. The hygienist also gives directions for properly brushing the gums and how to effectively to brush different parts of the teeth. She and the dentists give out many samples of toothpaste and toothbrushes to help the patients get started. In addition, she discuss dietary habits. For example, she focuses on decreasing the intake of acidic, sugary soft drinks which can be a major culprit in bad oral health. She also instructs mothers on the importance of making sure their children take care of their teeth and gums.

Due to the prevalence of these oral diseases it is a major public health problem. Something needs to be done to decrease the pain, suffering, impairment of function and reduced quality of life in these people. Traditional treatment in dentistry is expensive and unaffordable for these patients in developing countries. The Medical Wings dental team is helping to solve this problem by emphasizing preventative dentistry and providing direct treatments to ameliorate the pain in our patients.

Building Bridges Across Continents

What is the most common disease in the world?
Cancer, diabetes, heart disease? No, it is tooth decay. In addition, periodontitis (gum disease) is among the top ten most common diseases in the world. 2008-04-23 11:23:30

What is the most common disease in the world? Cancer, diabetes, heart disease? No, it is tooth decay. In addition, periodontitis (gum disease) is among the top ten most common diseases in the world. Furthermore, these oral conditions affect other chronic diseases in the body, such as diabetes and heart disease. With dental decay and periodontitis present good nutrition, and therefore good health, is impossible. In less developed countries, such as South and Central America, dental decay is rampant. Unfortunately, dental decay is increasing in Africa and Asia due to changes in dietary habits.

Less developed countries are facing a dental crisis due to insufficient dental health professionals, and an inability to afford dental care. Moreover, many people lack access to a dentist due to logistics. The number of dentists to patients in America is approximately 1:2,000. But in many less developed countries the ratio is greater than 1 dentist to 50,000 people. Medical Wings International provides basic dental services with an emphasis on prevention to many disadvantaged people. We discuss proper tooth brushing techniques, how to use floss, the importance of fluoride toothpastes and the importance of diet in oral health.

On our trips we see vast numbers of patients. Through donations from many sources we are able to give our patients toothbrushes and toothpaste. Our goal is to treat every patient with a particular emphasis on raising their dental IQ.

This humbling yet very rewarding experience is unlike what most dental professionals have ever seen. People you treat express enormous gratitude, bonds are created, and lasting friendships develop with those that share in service. Minutes after leaving to return home, you can't help but begin to plan the next trip. We invite you to come and join us in building bridges across continents and countries and take the first steps in changing the world

Doctor Dee Schoemann
Dental Director
Tulsa, Ok.