Two pediatric dentistry residents had to get resourceful providing care in an isolated Honduran village

When it comes to permanent-tooth extractions, there are a few essentials for the practicing dentist, including access to X-rays when diagnosing a patient’s condition. And for many dental procedures, the surgical handpiece is a modern-day “must have.” But not when you’re in Siguatepeque, Honduras.

During the marathon workdays pediatric dentistry residents Drs. Kristy Hayes and Diane Tung spent treating patients in the secluded mountain village, they had a few basics on which to rely: field dental chairs, head lamps, cold sterilization and basic instrumentation. They were fortunate to have running water and electricity, which helped.

“In a few specific cases, we had to be resourceful with the equipment that we had and trust our diagnostic capabilities beyond radiographs,” says Wisniewski. “It was nerve-racking at times, but satisfying in the end when we were able to use basic skills and equipment to remove the tooth.”

Read more in the May issue of the Baylor Dental Record Online