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DENTAL ADVENTURES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Armenia is one of the many countries that is unable to meet the dental needs of the underprivileged. For the past 2 years, I have devoted two weeks each summer to providing dental care for orphaned children in Armenia. These unique experiences proved to be both educational and rewarding.     Armenia is a small country bordered by Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Since becoming the first Christian nation in 301 AD, the Armenian people have endured through many wars with surrounding Muslim countries. In 1915, the Armenian Genocide took the lives of two million Armenians as they were brutally exiled from Turkey during World War I. The Soviet Union defended some of the survivors in eastern Turkey, and Armenia became the Soviet Republic of Armenia for the next 70 years. Although the Armenian people prospered under the protection of the Russians, they were not allowed to practice Christianity as they had for over sixteen hundred years. When the breakup of the Soviet Union occurred in 1991, Armenia gained both its independence and religious freedom. The peoples’ joy was short-lived because the most devastating earthquake in modern history occurred, and Russia was not able to help with the recovery. To make matters worse, a dispute over ancient land resulted in a war with neighboring Azerbaijan. The next eight years of war and poverty created one of the highest percentages of orphaned children in the world.     The Church of Armenia has tried to implement as many programs as possible for Armenia’s many orphans. One of these programs is called "Jambar", which means camp in Armenian. Four hundred orphans that come from eight different regions of Armenia and Georgia during the three camp sessions hosted by Archbishop Abraham, Primate of the Diocese of Suinik. Jambar is held at Camp Siranoush, in a very pristine, scenic part of southwestern Armenia called Yegheknadzor. The campsite is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and cliffs and has a beautiful river flowing through the grounds. The terrain is well suited for hiking, mountain climbing, and off-road driving. At Jambar, the children participate in sports, swimming, arts and crafts workshops, and instruction in the use of computers. Campers also have the opportunity to show their talents and creativity by giving performances for fellow campers. In the evenings, the children socialize and participate in ethnic dancing. This camping opportunity gives these orphans a chance to learn about their cultural heritage and religion. In addition to the normal camp activities, children at Jambar also receive dental care administered by dedicated volunteers. In 1998, the present dental clinic was completed with help and donations from the Armenian Dental Society of California. Dr. Viken Garabedian of Laguna Niguel, California has been the catalyst for the incredible transformation from lawn chairs and flashlights to a fully equipped dental clinic with dual operatories. The clinic is state-of-the-art and uses the same equipment found in the United States. Specifically, the clinic is equipped with an x-ray machine and automatic developer, all necessary hand instruments, dental supplies, and handpieces. Although the vast majority of the patients at Jambar are children, ages 6-13, camp workers and villagers with acute dental emergencies are also treated.     I have made two successful trips to Armenia. In 2001, I accompanied Reverend Deacon Aren Jebejian, my Pastor at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Chicago, as he led a youth group on a pilgrimage celebrating the 1700th year of Christianity in Armenia. Before making the trip to Jambar, Deacon Aren took the group to museums, churches, and the Genocide Memorial. When our group arrived at Jambar, we were greeted by Dr. Viken Garabedian and his team, which included of two Armenian dentists and an Armenian dental student. We worked seven straight twelve-hour days. Another volunteer dentist from New Jersey, Dr. Anahid Youssoufian, arrived on the fifth day to help us finish. All 138 children received a cleaning, an exam, and a fluoride treatment. Almost 800 composite and amalgam restorations, 51 root canals, and 70 extractions were made. Before leaving, Dr. Viken asked me to head up a team for next year’s Jambar. The gratitude of the children was enough for me to accept the challenge. In July of 2002, Dr. Anahid and I led the second team for the second two- week camp session. With the help of Dr. Garineh Muzadian, a dentist from Etchmiadzin; Dr. Ara Kovalenko, a dentist from Gyumri, Armenia; and Tegran Khanamirian, a dental student also from Gyumri, our team completed most of our 134 treatment plans, which included exams, fluoride treatments, cleanings, 690 fillings, 15 root canals, and 130 extractions.     The hardest part of both trips was leaving. The orphans would gather to say goodbye. They were extremely appreciative of both our friendship and dental services since most of the children had never seen a dentist and could not afford a toothbrush or toothpaste. I truly enjoy helping these children and teaching then how to care for their teeth. I plan on making future trips to Armenia. If anyone is interested in making donations or volunteering their services, please contact me at drwittmus@gratefuldental.com. This article was submitted to the Chicago Dental Society review, in March of 2003.

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