Edited by Dentaltown staff
Denver—Drs. Katherine Blubaugh and Suzanne McGinty, both graduates of UMKC School of Dentistry, and classmates of Dr. Howard Farran, recently volunteered with Global Dental Relief (GDR) to provide free dental care to
children in need around the world.
After stumbling upon GDR’s website in 2019, Blubaugh signed up to
volunteer with GDR and travel to Nepal for the adventure of a
lifetime. Postponed by the pandemic, she was finally able travel to
Akumal, Mexico in the Fall of 2022 where she was joined by friend
and former classmate, McGinty.
Pictured: Kate Blubaugh (left) and Sue McGinty
(right) with children in Akumal, Mexico.
Accompanied by two GDR trip leaders, their team consisted of four dentists, one hygienist and 11 general
(non-dental) volunteers. Collectively, they provided dental care to 611 children. During each clinic visit,
children receive a comprehensive exam, all necessary dental care, a fluoride treatment, a new toothbrush
and oral health education.
Six months later, Blubaugh spent another week working with Global Dental Relief in the remote village of Pharping, Nepal where she and her
team provided care to nearly 600 children.
Come February, the two will reunite again and travel to the remote
village of Pokhara, Nepal. They will assist in setting up GDR’s field dental
clinic and then work for one week alongside a team of volunteer
dentists, hygienists and several non-dental volunteers.
To learn more about GDR or to register for an upcoming volunteer project, visit globaldentalrelief.org.