Dental hygiene and oral health are often taken for granted, but they are essential components to our everyday lives. On IMR dental missions, dental examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and extractions are the primary procedures, and oral health education is provided to all patients. All care provided is performed free of charge with sustainable education as a major pillar. Additionally, all patients that come through the clinic receive their own new toothbrush and floss after receiving care. Our goal is to save teeth in the future by providing oral hygiene education and working with local dental teams whenever possible.

Prior to deploying to a new country, there is a needs assessment where IMR, with the help of the country’s ministry of health and local providers, assesses the needs of the area and what dental care should be provided during a dental mission. During this assessment, IMR looks at the country’s existing dental health infrastructure and oral health education, and the expected capacities IMR will be able to bring on each of our dental missions. This allows IMR and the local partners to have the largest impact.

• Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, is very common, with almost 10% of the global population affected
• Factors contributing to oral diseases include an unhealthy diet high in sugar, use of tobacco, and harmful use of alcohol.
• Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages.