ICD Global Registry of Projects

This project was held in the Town of Yáquil, Nancagua commune in Region VI County, an area heavily hit by the earthquake in Chile on February 27, 2010. During the earthquake, the existing dental clinic in this village was completely destroyed. Population in this area is approximately 10,000 residents. School age children, (Kindergarten through Sixth grades) are about 250 students and their ages range between 5 and 12 years. Economic conditions are poor and extreme poverty is prevalent. The average annual household income is approximately $100,000 Chilean pesos (U.S. $ 200) which is very minimal. They primarily work in agriculture. The unemployment rate reaches 25% of the population. Families are made up on average of 6 people and some of them have close relatives living with them as well. 20% to 30% of these citizens have infectious diseases. Most receive low levels of care and the quality of Regional Health Service is rather poor. PROJECT: Under the auspices of the International College of Dentists – ICD Chile District. a Dental Clinic in the Town of Yáquil was built and furnished with new Dental Equipment. The building that houses the dental clinic has been completed. While modest, it is absolutely functional and safe. Suitable furniture was donated by the local municipality. In addition to the dental clinic, the building will also contain a clinic, staffed by a physician and a midwife.
Financing for this project will be accomplished via a donation from the Korea Section. (U.S. $ 2000), a donation from a Japanese Fellow (U.S. $300), another donation from a Korean Fellow (U.S. $1000), and the balance funded by voluntary donation from the Chilean District Fellows.
In addition to the local dentist hired to provide treatment, the Chilean Fellows on weekends will be providing volunteer dental services at the Yaquil dental clinic. This will be a tremendous collateral benefit for the College, as well as for the local population.
The purpose of this dental clinic is to address the Primary Care needs of the school population and as much of the adult population as possible. The Dental Clinic will be managed by a strategic alliance between the Service VI Health Region and the ICD Chilean District Fellows, who will be monitoring the use of the Dental Clinic for a 5 year period. After that it will be donated to the Municipality of Nancagua, who will be responsible for its administration.