About
MILLIONS ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF ORAL HEALTH CARE IN ETHIOPIA
100% OF PROCEEDS GO TO SECURING DENTAL SUPPLIES
We are dental students embarking on a volunteer mission to Ethiopia, with the goal of bringing dental supplies to those in need.
When we shared with fellow dental students at Addis Ababa University about our experiences in dental school, it quickly became apparent of the vast differences in our clinical experiences. In short, we became aware of a great shortage in supplies.
- No face masks and gloves for protection
Expired local anesthesia so patients were not numb
Broken operatory lights so minimal vision when operating
No gauze to control any bleeding
These issues make it extremely difficult for dental students to gain proper clinical exposure and to provide proficient care to patients.
THE PLAN
BUILDING STRONG TEETH AND STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS.
All of the money raised will go to dental supplies for Addis Ababa. With your help, we plan on bringing:
New local anesthetics so patients are comfortable during treatment
Gauze to maintain a sterile environment
Face masks and latex gloves to protect the dentists
Fluoride varnishes to protect children from cavities
We will also be assisting the dentists to help provide optimal care for the patients.
THE NEED
YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
“Dental caries (cavities) and periodontal diseases have historically been considered the most important global oral health burdens.”
–World Health Organization
There is a growing need for dental service in Africa. According to Addis Ababa University, majority of the ethiopian population do not have proper dental services and have limited knowledge in oral health. Due to the scarce resources and shortage of available dentists, unfortunate circumstances often arise for patients. Malpractice, non sterile instruments, unnecessary tooth loss and jaw fractures are among some of these challenges.
Dentistry is one of the most undeveloped professions in Ethiopia.
"These supplies will surely help us to improve and advance the academics
as well as the service we provide at large."
Dr. Wondwossen Fantaye, DDS , PhD, Addis Ababa UniversityDepartment of Dentistry
The mouth is the gateway to the human body! It is important for everyone to have access to a dentist and be knowledgeable of proper oral care, as this will help sustain health to the rest of the body.
WHO WE ARE
Shiworkē Woldesemait, Co-Founder
An Ethiopian national, Shiworke immigrated to the U.S. when she was 12 years old. Most of Shiworke’s family lives in Ethiopia, including her cousin who is a dental student in Addis Ababa. She studied biology at Emory University, graduating in 2012. As a third year student at NYUCD (New York University College of Dentistry), she is a member of the Women of Color in Dentistry Club and is involved with public school outreach efforts that provide free oral health screenings and raise awareness on the importance of good oral hygiene.
Dr. Rachael Gilardetti, Co-Founder
Rachael graduated from NYUCD (New York University College of Dentistry) in 2018 and is doing her general dentistry residency at Lincoln Medical Center in Bronx, NY. Before dental school, she graduated Cum Laude from Northeastern University in 2012, majoring in biology and art. During her free time she provides free oral health screenings/fluoride varnishes to those with limited access to dentists through the university’s community outreach program.