Wisdomtooth

Isolated in the Indus River Valley, high on the Tibetan plateau, Leh serves as the capital of Ladakh, India. Originally from Mongolia, Ladakhis settled the valley over a thousand years ago, farming barley in the marginally fertile soil.  Here lies the Lamdon School. Founded in 1973 by the locally created and administered Lamdon Social Welfare Society, the school has grown from its original seven students and one teacher to a local enrollment of 1200 with an additional 800 students in 10 remote sites. The school consistently produces highly educated students, many of which are full time boarders, coming from poor families on full scholarships, and places a strong emphasis on maintaining local Ladakhi and Buddhist culture.

 

However, dental prevention has not traditionally been a way of life here. Now, with the influence of a more modern diet, and the allure of refined sugar, there is an increase in tooth decay. A recent study done of nearly 400 students at the school showed that 80% of the students with primary (baby) teeth suffer from tooth decay. Many of the students suffer from infections of the tooth pulp which are extremely painful, and dental abscesses that spread pus into the surrounding jaw bone. Fortunately, this figure drops to 45%, and impacts only a few teeth as the students acquire and maintain their adult dentition. However, calculus (tartar) build up, which is a major causative agent in periodontal disease, becomes a significant issue. Over 90% of the students 12 years and older have calculus deposits to some degree that if not removed lead to weakening of the supporting
bone and eventual tooth loss. Some of the older students (17 and 18 years old) are already showing signs of this, and developing Periodontitis.

The realization that something could be done to halt the problem spurred the school’s administration to significantly improve the oral health of the students. Several steps have already been implemented to improve the oral health situation. The principle, Mr. Eshey Tundup, has banned sweet tea and candy at the school. Bill Kite, and American resident of New Zealand and long time humanitarian in the Himalayan region is facilitating and coordinating the efforts of foreign volunteers. In 2007 every student and staff received a tooth brush, paste, and floss in addition to proper oral hygiene instruction administered by a group of 85 students from Singapore (UWSEA and Tanglin Trust School), under the guidance of Dr. Kelvin Chye.

 

Thanks to the hard work and generosity of many donors, a plan to construct a dental/medical facility on Lamdon's campus is now underway.  Matthew Frantz, an architecture student at the University of New Mexico, rendered the plans (at left) for the structure due to be completed in summer 2009.  The Singapore Dental Society sent a dental team of 15 dentists for five days in July of 2008 to provide direct care. A few other dentists have expressed strong interest in coming to provide direct care. These efforts are all critical to address the immediate suffering and are greatly appreciated. To address the long term needs at the school, Dr. Hemalatha Nathan of Nanyang Polytechnic interviewed candidates for a three year slot in their dental therapy program. However, the earliest graduate would not return to Ladakh until 2012.

 

In the early summer of 2008 Wisdomtooth trained the school nurse, Yangchen Dolma how to provide basic dental care. A long time presence at the school, she has earned the students’ trust and respect and has proven her commitment to the health of the children. After six weeks of intensive training, she acquired the skills and clinical judgment required to adequately diagnose: decay, calculus, pulpitis, and dental abscesses. She gained proficiency at placing fillings with hand instruments in baby teeth, removing calculus, and extracting painful and abscessed teeth. She also continues to emphasize the foundation of prevention that has already been laid.

Wisdomtooth is currently seeking more dental professionals to continue training Yangchen at Lamdon School.  She will be the only ongoing dental presence for Lamdon’s 2000 students for the next 4 years, and will then continue working together with the therapist. This is a great opportunity to be on the cutting edge of international dental aid while empowering the Ladakhis themselves to meet their dental treatment needs. Please join us in one of the most breathtaking Himalayan settings as an honored guest in this Tibetan community. Room and board will be provided, as will the potential for treks in the area.

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