Kathmandu, November 1

Seven Summits Foundation in association with New York University College of Dentistry/Henry Schein Cares and The Tibet Fund today launched a free dental camp on the premises of Srongsten Bhrikuti High School in Bouddha, Kathmandu.

Foundation President AC Sherpa inaugurated the five-day dental camp amidst a function while more than 39 American volunteer dentists and medical students were also present on the occasion.

“The dental clinic is free and open to the public where patients are being treated on first-come,first-served basis,” he said, adding that the clinic will operate Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

According to Dr Rachael Hill, volunteer dentists have offered services that include dental examinations, fluoride varnish, sealants, fillings, extractions, stainless steel crowns and root canal therapy, among others. “We are trying very hard to cure children and women in the camp,” said team leader Dr Hirsch of NYU, adding that response from the locals was overwhelming. More than 150 patients benefitted from the camp today.

Sherpa, who is also the Deputy Regional Coordinator of Non-Resident Nepalese Association(for USA), said SSF has been annually conducting a free dental camp since 2013. “It is one of the major social service events of SSF,” he added.

In a bid to support the victims of April earthquake, SSF has already distributed relief materials in Solukhumbu, Sindhupachowk and Kavre districts. “SSF also supported a lower secondary school at Solsing village in Sindhupalchowk as its building was completely damaged in the quake affecting over 300 students,” said Sherpa, adding that it also offered financial assistance to Janapriya Secondary School in Tapting, Solukhumbu for building construction.

According to him, the foundation is also planning to construct 3,000 earthquake resistant homes and schools for earthquake victims. SSF is a tax-exempt non-profit organisation.