Kathmandu, November 7

A five-day-long free dental camp in Kathmandu concluded yesterday benefitting more than 1,500 persons, according to organisers.

The camp was organised by Seven Summits Foundation in association with New York University College of Dentistry/Henry Schein Cares and The Tibet Fund on the premises of Srongsten Bhrikuti High School in Bouddha.

More than 40 volunteer dentists and medical students from NYU provided dental treatment to more than 1,500 needy people, including 300 school children, according to faculty head Dr Hirsch. “It was an amazing experience for the volunteers to serve humanity,” he said.

Team coordinator Dr Racheal Hill informed that volunteer dentists offered services that include dental examinations, fluoride varnish, sealants, fillings, extractions, stainless steel crowns and root canal therapy, among others. “Elderly women and children were among the service seekers,” she said.

According to her, patients were treated on first-come-first-served basis as the camp was free for all.

Foundation President AC Sherpa thanked the volunteer doctors, medical students and supporters for making the event a success. The SSF team also honoured the volunteers with a token of love amidst a concluding event last evening.

Speaking on the occasion, Sherpa, a permanent resident of Tapting, Solukhumbu, said he took a noble initiative to host a free dental camp as his village was deprived of dental as well as health care for long. “A 70-year-old woman who smiled after getting new teeth in the camp…. it was really the happiest moment of my life,” he said.

Sherpa, who is also Deputy regional coordinator of Non-Resident Nepalese Association, said that SSF would also conduct a free dental camp next year. “Free dental camp is one of the major social service events of SSF since 2013,” Sherpa informed.

According to him, SSF also plans to support earthquake victims by running reconstruction efforts in health and education sector.