District Jamaican Dental Project continues and provides dental and medical supplies

A team of five dentists and associated staff from northeast Wisconsin completed a week of work in the Christiana area of Jamaica in late April, 2010. The team leader was Dr. Chuck Wetzel of Elcho, WI. This marks 30 years of service in this small community near the geographic center of the island of Jamaica. The team was able to treat about 600 people during the course of the week. The clinic constructed at the New Vision Children’s Home was not available this year. The Rotary club is considering construction of a new clinic.

We have now provided care to over 20,000 people who would not have been treated without our presence. Often we are able to restore or place sealants of several teeth for many of the children. If we place a nominal value of $89.99 on each person treated, we have provided over $1.4 million U.S. dollars over the years. At current exchange rates this equates to a gift to the Jamaican economy of over $69 million Jamaican dollars.

Over the years we have been able to introduce over 50 dentists to the wonderful people of the Christiana area. The Rotary club members have been incredible in their support. They transport us, feed and house us. They have become members of our extended families. We will try to keep the tradition alive with a trip in 2011. Interested persons can contact Dr. North Shetter DDS at nshetter@gmail.com.