Ecuador 2016 Trip Meeting

January 20, 2016

I. Russ Bennett

  • – Family
  • – Encouraging us to continue learning and being open to learn from others

II. Introductions/ Announcements

  • G3 on February 3rd at Norm’s Pizza (Rsvp to dentalcommunityfellowship@gmail.com)
  • Next Ecuador meeting Wednesday, March 2 6:30 pm at James Island Christian Church 
  • If you weren’t here, email Katie Koon (dentalcommunityfellowship@gmail.com) a photo/head shot for the composite.

III. Dr. Bill Update

  • – Why do we go on these trips?
    • o Jesus, experience, helping others, cultural understanding, service, relationships, growing spiritually, Spanish
    • o God’s heart is for all the nations
    • o Opportunity to stretch
    • o Perspective
    • o Bonding
    • o Overcome our fears
    • o FUN!
  • – 5 dentists from the UK
  • – 1 dentists from Norway will be joining us

IV. Susalee Update

  • – Ecuador
    • Spanish speaking; some speak Cetchua?
      • We will have interpreters
    • Quito is the capitol (where are going)
      • Not necessarily the poorest of the poor
    • Mostly Catholic
    • 65% are mixed, 25% are Indian
    • Give eye contact, give them a smile and shake their hand; they may kiss you
    • Altitude sickness possible
      • Mild dull headache, trouble sleeping, nausea first few nights
    • Use US dollars
    • On the equator
    • 40’s – 50’s in the mornings, can get up to the 70’s during the day
    • Bring rain jacket
    • Vaccines – as long as up to date on Hep A, Heb B and tetanus then you’re ok
    • Do not need a converter to charge things
  • – Pack
    • Pack only in a carry on bag
    • Need to check a dental bag
      • We will give you a list of what is in the bag
    • Scrubs (3 pairs)
    • Clothes for the evening, if you want
      • Need to be sensitive to the culture
      • Capris or long pants, no shorts please (females)
      • Spa: one piece (for females)
    • Headlights/loupe light
      • Camping light (without dead spot in the middle)
    • Loupes (if you have them, for dentists/dental students)
  • – Find 5 people to pray for you while on the trip – with 90 of us coming, this can be very powerful!

V. What to expect

  • – Fly in on Saturday
  • – Sunday
    • Set up the clinic (small crew)
    • Shopping
    • Hiking
  • – Monday – Thursday
    • Breakfast
    • Get assignments for the day
    • Bus ride (about 1 hour)
    • Morning assignment
    • Lunch
    • Afternoon assignment
    • Bus ride back
    • Dinner
    • Big group time
    • SLEEP! (or Signs)
  • – Friday
    • Breakfast
    • Get assignments for the day
    • Bus ride
    • Morning assignment
    • Lunch
    • Break down the clinic (small crew)
    • Some will leave midnight
  • – Saturday
    • Breakfast
    • Spa
      • Optional Add On Massage
        • Email Katie at dentalcommunityfellowship@gmail.com if you want to sign up for a massage.
        • About $40
    • Packing up
  •    – Sunday
    • Pack up and head to the airport
    • Get home and rest

VI. Roles

  • – Triage
  • – Medical
  • – Hygiene
  • – Operative/Restorative
  • – Injection station
  • – Extractions
  • – Eyeglasses
  • – Schools
    •  Give oral hygiene instructions to children

VII. Cost

  • – $800 for non-students
  • – $700 for students
  • – Please have turned in by next meeting, March 2nd (Click here to make payment online)
  • – Katie Koon will keep up with donors for us and let us know by email how much money and from who we have coming in
  • – Extra money for shopping, lunch on spa day and tips ($20-30)

VIII. Itinerary

  • – Email your flight itinerary to Katie Koon at dentalcommunityfellowship@gmail.com.
  • – And please email/forward any flight changes.

IX. DENTAL STUDENTS ONLY

  • – MUSC Global Health Policy
  • – Have to register online – email to come from Whitney Simons

X. Any questions or concerns, email Katie Koon at dentalcommunityfellowship@gmail.com

Willingness to be flexible