1.  Provide toothbrushes and teaching preventive dental care and nutrition.

2.  To supply equipment, instruments and sundries for the dental clinics in Haiti starting in Les Palmes and Cap-Haitien.

3.  To obtain funding to pay for treatment of patients who can not afford essential dental treatment.

The rationale to provide dental preventive care and education to children and young adults due to the high rate of dental diseases that could have been prevented. The rationale to provide dental supplies, equipment and financial assistance to the dental profession is due to the lack of resources within the country.

Through observation and discussion with Haitian dentists and community leaders I have identified areas of concern regarding dental prevention and nutrition counseling as well as assistance in providing basic dental care in the community. Dentistry is an essential service which at the present time is not being adequately provided. 

Although there are organizations that send foreign teams into areas of Haiti to provide dental care, I believe it is of greater value to provide the resources which support the Haitian trained dental professional to maintain the health of their fellow Haitians. This will ultimately support the dental profession in Haiti as well as fostering stronger relations between the dental team and the people in the community. 

There is a great need to increase the dental knowledge of the population. Dental disease is rampant at a very early age. There is a limited number of the population who has been formally educated. This is especially true in the rural areas of Haiti.

As Canadians we have the means and the resources to provide the materials and financial resources to lend a hand to those who have not.  

“Healthy Smiles for Haiti” is a program in partnership with the people of Haiti. It is imperative to listen to the needs identified by the Haitians. Communication, flexibility and patience are essential to maintain a good relationship. With differences in language, culture, and values, we must foster good relations with those in Haiti, guarding their dignity and pride with respect.