International Outreached
Improving Health in Bolivia
Original Article
University Outreach and International Programs
Spring 2008 Vol. 9
Cedric Papa cleans the teeth of a girl from Trinidad, Bolivia.
Spreading Smiles, a non-profit organization founded in January 2007 to provide dental hygiene education locally and globally is composed of UC Davis students, primarily pre-dental, but also including some pre-med and pre-law students, and nutrition majors. In March and December 2007, the group traveled t o the Amazon River Basin in Bolivia and spent their Spring Break and the week before Christmas cleaning teeth, scraping plaque, teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques, and dispelling many myths about hygiene and health. They also handed out antibiotics, cleaned wounds, and gave nutrition advice. During these two trips, Spreading Smiles helped over 4,000 people, most of whom had never owned a toothbrush. More trips are planned and many students plan on returning regularly.
