Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC, recently provided equipment for dental treatment of indigenous peoples in the Amazon region of Brazil. A team from Doutores Sem Fronteiras (Doctors Without Borders) traveled to the region of Mato Grosso in mid-May, in conjunction with the traditional Xingu Games, the largest official sporting event in the region, which attracted 600 athletes and more than 3,000 visitors from 15 indigenous villages.
The company supported the seven dentists—led by Brazilian dentist, Dr Jose Umberto De Luca—who traveled to the region to provide dental care with CEREC intraoral scanners and milling machines, as well as other instruments and materials.
Due to heavy rain that made it impossible to reach the region by car, and a ferry that was not running reliably, the team and equipment were transported over the course of 4 hours into the jungle by small boats. Locals helped carry the equipment the rest of the way to set up the five mobile clinics.
“This is my third expedition of this kind and I am overwhelmed once again,” said De Luca after the expedition. “During this event, we were able to offer CEREC to everyone—in the middle of the jungle! A robust system that defies unusual external circumstances and a motivated team that helps fellow natives: All of this made the expedition a special experience for me.”
Doutores Sem Fronteiras has committed to return to the region again in 2020.