Medical & Dental Programs

Each January we travel to Peru and conduct a pop-up medical and dental clinic for the families in the Huilloc Community. We see and treat close to 300 patients - parents, grandparents and children over four to five days. For many this may be the only time they see a physician or dentist. We provide referrals to regional facilities and provide vitamins as well as other prescription medications. We’ve recently implemented an electronic medical records project for the community so that they can track their healthcare. Each year we also provide a dental and medical clinic in a Cusco orphanage and women’s shelter. We’ve also started an ongoing pediatric dental health program.

  • Dental Clinic

    Each year volunteer dentists, hygienists, and endodontists perform check ups, clean teeth and provide primary care as needed. Volunteers mentor students from St. Olaf College in the clinic as well.

  • Medical Clinic

    Each year we perform check-ups and problem-focused care as needed based on patient complaints and provider diagnoses for adults and children. Volunteer medical providers and pharmacists mentor students from St. Olaf college in the clinic as well.

A Day in the Pop-Up Clinic

  • The day begins with a beautiful van ride up the mountains to the Huilloc community.

    The clinics are set up in school classrooms. The patients are registered in our EMR system and given a paper record.

    Once registered, they are triaged to Dental or Medical providers.

  • The medical providers are divided into adult and pediatric providers.

    A provider unit consists of the provider, an interpreter and 1-3 college students.

    A problem focused history and physical exam is performed with respect for patients’ privacy optimized. The students assist with documentation in the EMR and paper record and shadow the provider’s physical exam. With the help of interpreters, the patient is advised of condition and given education regarding diagnoses.

  • When assessment are completed, the patient is directed to our pharmacy to be given prescribed meds. A nurse then goes over the diagnosis, medications, and instructions.

    Referrals to local providers are provided and coordinated with our Community Coordinator as necessary.

  • Patients are seen from approximately 9 am to 4 pm. There is a break for lunch provided in the Huilloc community room. It is a very hearty meal of soup and a chicken or fish entrée usually served with rice or potatoes and cheese. It is deliciously prepared by one of our beloved partners, Leo.

    At the end of the day, volunteers have the option of taking the van back to Ollantaytambo or can walk down the mountain (about 1.5 hours) to town and be picked up by a van in town .

Dental Care Evolution

Our dental mission has evolved from treating only painful infected teeth to restoring and preventing dental disease. A key component of this evolution is an emphasis on prevention in the school aged children. An example is our dental sealant program to prevent tooth decay among the Huilloc school children. Along with home care instruction and dental care supplies in class rooms we have begun to provide sealants for all the school children.