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Himalayan Dental Relief Project Changes Its Name
Mission Remains the Same
(Denver, Colorado, Sept. 10, 2009) The Himalayan Dental Relief Project today announced that it has changed the name of the organization to Global Dental Relief to better reflect the geographic scope of the work that it does. “At our inception in 2000, we provided dental care only to children in Nepal,” said Project Director Laurie Mathews. “Since then, we have expanded our work to reach children in other countries including India, Vietnam and Guatemala. It is important that our name reflect our worldwide commitment.”
Since 2000, Global Dental Relief has brought first time dental care and oral health education to more than 40,000 children. Care is provided by volunteer dentists, hygienists and lay volunteers who donate their time and travel to help children in need.
“The children we treat are from orphanages, charity schools and remote village locations where access to care is neither physically nor financially available,” says Melanie Melcher, Global Dental Relief Board Chair. “Dental care frees children from chronic pain and infection, leading to healthy smiles and longer, healthier lives.”
Volunteer travel, logistics and sightseeing opportunities are coordinated by sister organization, Global Dental Expeditions (formerly Global Humanitarian Expeditions). “Together, we host hundreds of volunteers from the United States and abroad each year. Our goal is to provide each volunteer with an exceptional travel experience as they serve children in need,” says Kim Troggio, Director of Global Dental Expeditions.
Both Global Dental Relief and Global Dental Expeditions are 501(c)3 charitable organizations. They host a total of 10-12 dental clinics each year and invite the participation of dentists, hygienists and non-professional volunteers. For more information about the organization, or about how to volunteer, visit www.globaldentalrelief.org.
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