VOLUNTEERING AT THE CUYABENO LODGE:
A DANISH DENTIST VISITS
Last month, Cuyabeno Lodge experienced a very special rush of joy and knowledge. Two groups of dentists from Denmark, consisting of approximately 18 and 23 dedicated professionals, spent four unforgettable days in our breathtaking reserve. Their trip was not only an adventure in nature, but also an opportunity to share their expertise with the local community.
The dentists took part in the regular 4-day/3-night programme, but they had much more in store. During the day they organised exciting workshops in our lodge, which took place in the inviting dining room. Thanks to a screen provided, they were able to show their fascinating PowerPoint presentations and share their knowledge in a lively way.
A special highlight of their stay was a visit to a neighbouring community in the jungle. The dentists paddled a canoe through the calm waters to reach the friendly villagers. The community, which has its own school building, a sports field for the children and a dedicated mayor, was full of life and community spirit.
The dentists decided to teach the children and their parents about dental hygiene. Equipped with a supply of toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as an illustrative human mouth model, they demonstrated the correct technique for brushing teeth. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn through play and understand the importance of oral hygiene.
This unique coming together of expertise and community spirit shows the importance of building bridges between cultures and sharing knowledge. The dentists left Cuyabeno Lodge not only with unforgettable memories of the beauty of the Amazon, but also with the knowledge that they had made a valuable contribution to the health of the villagers. An experience that will enrich both the guests and the community for years to come!
After an exciting theoretical introduction, it was time for the practical exercise – and the excitement was palpable! With smiles on their faces, the dentists handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste to the children and their parents, inviting them to learn how to brush their teeth with the experts.
The children were excited and couldn’t wait to try out their new toothbrushes. With beaming faces and lots of laughter, they practised brushing their teeth under the guidance of the dentists. The parents were also enthusiastic and showed great interest in the tips and tricks the experts gave them.
After the brushing lesson, the questions kept coming: “How often should we brush our teeth?”, “How long does a toothbrush last?”, “What foods are bad for our children’s teeth?”. It turned out that some of the little ones had never held a toothbrush before, which underlined the importance of this lesson.
By the end of the day, everyone involved was overjoyed – the children with their shiny teeth and the dentists with the knowledge that they had made a valuable contribution. One of the dentists later told us that the visit had been a very special day for them. They were grateful for the opportunity not only to share their knowledge, but also to bring the joy of brushing to the hearts of the children. A great success for all!
