Approximately 50 % of

school children surveyed

in the Siem Reap area

suffer from dental caries

and gum disease.

- IJDH vol. 5

"Only 44 % of school children owned their own toothbrush."

- International Journal of Dental Hygiene vol. 5, 2007

During the Khmer Rouge period, Cambodia's dental profession was destroyed and the dental school in Phnom Penh was closed. Consequently the public's awareness and treatment of dental problems has been extremely low. Currently there are only 2 dentists per 100,000 people in Cambodia.

Dental caries is one of the most common and preventable diseases in childhood. Unfortunately the absence of a proper oral health program leads to poor oral health and has detrimental effects on a child's quality of life and performance in school.These problems are only compounded by an early lack of nutrition in most children's diet.

When Dr. Michel and his wife Christina visited Cambodia they saw how many children were having dental problems at a very early age. Since Joerg and Christina have their own dental clinic in Zurich, Switzerland they decided that there was something they could do to help. They partnered with JWOC to begin a program at local schools where children are provided with a tootbrush, a large tube of Colgate toothpaste, and a class on both the methods and importance of brushing properly. It costs only $1.25 per child to provide them with what they need to maintain their dental hygiene.

Each week a JWOC scholarship student goes to follow up with the classes to ensure that a brushing routine is being maintained and none of the children need new supplies. By enlisting the aid of teachers this has been very effective since brushing is made a part of each classes daily routine.

Most of these children have never had a toothbrush or someone to tell them the importance of brushing. The excitement they show at receiving such a simple thing is incredible.

While Dr. Michel and Christina's dental clinic sponsors this program on an annual basis, we are always happy to accept donations towards this project. This allows us to reach an ever growing number of schools and classrooms. In each class there are approximately 40 students which means that it only takes $50 to provide a class of children with their own toothbrushes and toothpaste. Additionally we welcome donations of toothbrushes and large tubes of toothpaste.

Dental hygiene is for the most part such a simple thing, that when practiced regularly, has a long lasting effect on the complete health of children.

Visit our "Donate Now" page to make a contribution towards a child's future.