KIDS began treating children in Guatemala in 2005. KIDS focuses on treating the indigenous Mayan people. The Mayans proudly have resisted being incorporated into the Spanish culture of the region and the 60% of the population that is Mayan retains its distinct languages and culture. Guatemala provides KIDS a unique opportunity to serve the poorest of the poor. While most of the Guatemalan Mayan people KIDS treat are not orphans, they are the most marginalized and forgotten people of the country. This is the first time these children have seen a dental professional, received treatment or preventive instructions. It is the first time most have had their own tooth brush. Currently KIDS allocates half of its time to the area around Antigua in Ladino and Mayan communities tied to the land. KIDS works with one extraordinary orphanage in Parramos called Semillas de Amor (
http://semillasdeamor.org/) which shelters and raises some 33 children. It is a pleasure to treat these children who have wonderful dental health due to the diligence of the director. KIDS still take care of providing fluoride treqatments, sealants and exams to rule out any current dental disease. KIDS also works with Asociation De Desarrollo Indigena Yepocapa (ADIY), a remote Myan community above the volcanoes about two and a half hours over an unpaved and washed-out road from Antigua, Guateamala. The other half of KIDS’ work schedule is allocated to the Mayan communities surrounding Lake Atitlan. KIDS works specifically with Mayan Families (
http://mayanfamilies.org/), providing dental care to children around Panajachel and San Jorge La Laguna. KIDS dental mission in Guatemala normally treats approximately 1000 children. As the dental condition of these children improves the dental students and residents of the KIDS team are able to provide preventive services in addition to the routine cleanings and extractions, fluoride treatments, sealant applications, fillings of anterior teeth and ART restorations (atraumatic restorative treatment).
