So....what did Wendy do??

Sitting in the dentist’s chair may not be your favorite place to be, but for a hurting Congolese in need of dental care getting to that chair (even if he needs to walk 100 miles) at Tandala’s dental clinic means everything.  There Bofio (a dental trained nurse with 30 years of experience) and assistant Henry (dental nurse “in-training”) run the clinic and will do their heart-felt best to help.

Previous to our trip, Wendy Parker, DDS wondered what she would find in a dental clinic in the middle of remote Africa where there was no running water and limited electricity.  There she found a very creative “dentist” with an amazing amount of inventive energy making do with the resources he has.  While there Wendy and Bofio worked together on several challenging cases but spent most of the time talking through organization of the clinic, procedures, equipment and supplies.  Analysis brought Wendy to the conclusion that a functioning x-ray and a training program for support staff were the highest priority needs.

Encouraged by her visit today to a dental clinic in Bangui, Wendy now has a connection with an African dentist and his trainer in the USA.  In fact Dr. Rick is from Michigan and heads up a non-profit called Donate a Smile.  Look it up!  Maybe this new and unexpected connection will help in some way.

But in the meantime, until we can get Bofio and the Tandala dental clinic some more help, Wendy has left behind an extensive iTunes video library of dental instructional DVDs for professional dentistry training as well as for dental assistants.  It is in English, not French, but the visual training will be very helpful nonetheless.  Also, Wendy brought impression materials, orthodontic pliers, crown materials, toothbrushes and much more to bless the clinic right now.

And to finish the blog, we must tell you one significant story.  As you read in an earlier blog by Jeannie, one afternoon the heavens poureth forth rain, rain, and more rain.  When Bofio and Wendy returned the next day to the dental office, it was flooded with mud.  Beyond that, lightening had hit the generator resulting in the dental clinic, lab, hospital and whole mission was without any electricity at all for the rest of our stay.  Seems there is always another challenge!

Armed now with photos, video, and a context and vision for Bofio’s expressed needs, we are ready to communicate with God’s people on how assistance can best be delivered in the future. Bofio and Wendy parted with hopes for improved care for the many Congolese who come from near and far to sit in that sole dental chair. 

From Africa,

Wilma for the team

Bofio, Henry, Wendy and Aaron at Tandala Dental Clinic