VOCO Dental Aid

Benin (West Africa): Help for numerous people

The confirmation of the association “Dental Volunteers e.V.” for our organised clinical traineeship came only three months before departure due to the pandemic. We still had enough time to collect many donations from our generous sponsors. Meanwhile, a small vaccination marathon began for everyone: Yellow fever, rabies, typhoid, cholera & co.

 

Shortly before the flight, we still had to get a visa and then the journey could begin. It is recommended to exchange some money (CFA) at the airport and buy a SIM card. We had internet with it almost everywhere in the country. Right at the airport, a driver from the SOS Children’s Village picked us up and took us to our first accommodation in Abomey-Calavi. As we were a group of eight, we did not stay in the Children’s Village, but in a “training centre” with enough space. All accommodations in the SOS Villages were very good equipped and above average for the country.

 

The food was just as good and plentiful! We were also always provided with a driver and translator, so even remote destinations and visits to the beach on days off were no problem. We had a lot of working space, electricity and running water in Abomey-Calavi. In addition, we could even share the nurse’s autoclave. Besides many children, we also had adults, staff or relatives as patients. The next mission took place in a small village school, a community approx. 30 minutes distant. Dental help was much needed, as the people had neither access nor financial possibilities to get it. Within the first two days, we treated 174 people. Despite the local holidays, we were the attraction and many children and adults watched us diligently.

 

We spent four days in Natitingou, which is far north. Here we have treated exclusively in the SOS Village where we also had a large room with electricity and water at our disposal. A pressure cooker was used for sterilisation. We made a particularly impressive diagnosis in a small patient: Three fistula tracts starting from different deciduous teeth in the upper jaw.

 

Our greatest adventures was in Dogue, a very isolated village with humble conditions (no running water or electricity). We even had to cross a river, with an Opel Corsa that transported 300 kilograms of coal and a solar system in addition to our luggage. This ride was topped by a night on the bamboo mat. Right at arrival, a patient with a severely swollen cheek awaited us. He had already tried to treat the severe pain with mud. After an incision and antibiotic therapy, he was noticeably better the very next morning.

 

On our way back to the south, we made our final stop in Dassa-Zoume. The manager of the SOS Village was very courteous and nice. Enamel defect were conspicuous in many children. We suspect a connection with the drinking water. Afterwards we went back to Abomey-Calavi to treat our last patients. Overall, we were able to help many people through extractions and fillings on our journey. Above all, however, we were able to ensure special sustainability through intensive oral hygiene education with cleaning training. 

 

Thanks to our donators, we were able to give out 1,500 toothbrushes and pastes especially to school kids. Our touristic highlight was Ganvie (Venice of Benin), a village, completely built on water.

 

The hospitality in Benin and the resulting private dinner invitations were particularly great.

 

We would like to thank everyone who has supported this unforgettable project with monetary or material donations.

 

 

Thank you very much!

Anna Dahinten, Alice Forstner, Sven Kible, Simon Peppel and Sarah Täger