We're home after a successful trip!

Julie Tobin with the oral hygiene supplies. Julie distributed the supplies to each group who made presentations in the classrooms.

Kristen and Annie with their translator.

Danielle describing how to use a toothbrush as Erin and their translator look on.

Our group getting ready at the school.

Melisa unpacking some of the supplies.

Erin's oral mech exam as Danielle completes the forms.

Lauren keeps a sibling busy while the family is involved with a clinical process.

Megan and Jennifer "at work."

Ashely having some fun with a child.

Hannah and her translator, Samantha, get identifying information for the chart.

Rt unilateral lip/palate. Lip repaired.

HP fistula, hypernasal, VPI. Recommend pharyngoplasty, continue speech therapy as recommended today.

Sergio; quadraplegic after a cirus diving accident. Patent swallow function, functional speech production. Recommend removal of trach with appropriate monitoring by a local physician.

Burns from an industrial explosion. HE recommended.

A face from the school. Today the group provided presentations and demonstration of oral care for 10 classrooms.

Dr. Luis David Suarez, Lauren, Hannah and children from the school.

An adopted pet known as "Leemer."

Hannah Decker distributing toothpaste.

The usual end of the project "group picture." Clearly a look of people who know they will spend the rest of the day in the sun.

"The twins" and Kelly presenting the oral care talks.

At the school, preparing for the oral hygiene

Dr. Luis David Suarez, Lauren and Hannah describing oral care and oral hygiene to a 1st grade classroom in the Colosio.

Referred for surgery and to dental/prosthodontics.

The office and waiting area outside of the clinic

MSU's presence in the Yucatan

Kristen, Annie and their translator, Samantha.

Currently in the clinic to work with issues related to feeding, speech and language, and for some discussion regarding hearing acuity.

early in the day. off to a local school to do oral care for 500

Pictures from the first day, November 8, 2007

Packing day

How will that fit in one bag? It won't.

Melisa and Ashley wondering if they have exceeded the 50# limit per bag.

Erin, Jennifer and Megan having more fun than they should with beenie babies that have been donated.

Melisa seems to be wondering "What have I done?"

Looks like Christmas? It may be for some children in Mexico.

Megan and Danielle, packed and ready to go.

Kristen asking........does anyone need a toothbrush?

This is it--- the last meeting before November 7th when we meet in Mexico. Time to pack. It appears that everyone will be checking 2 bags: one for project supplies, and one bag for the many donations from generous people. We have accumulated toys, art supplies and teaching materials. Local dentists in the EL area have donated hundreds of toothbrushes and toothpaste for the oral hygiene component of the project. The following pictures depict the our group in the process of dividing the donations and supplies.

Patient information beginning to arrive

Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate

Jesus, at age 20 days, bilateral complete cleft lip and palate; feeding issue.

Juan, 9 months, bilateral cleft lip and palate, difficulty with liquids/solids, pre-linguistic nasalization.

____________________________________________________________

Yesterday we received a summary of 12 of the patients we will see next week. Several pictures have been posted as examples of our challenges. Most of the project planning has been completed. The group will have a final meeting today, all of the materials and supplies will be divided among the group to be carried onboard the plane and through customs. The clinic will be set up late in the day on November 7th.

We are "almost" ready.......no completely ready, but we are close.