My trip to Pokhara_Nepal
Kerry Bargelli (Dental Outreach)

Work the World’s wonderful Grishma met us at the airport with 2 other dental students that had arrived earlier that day. After such a long journey we felt so relieved to arrive and have such a warm welcome.

The next morning we set off early to get to Dampus, where we would be staying for the next two weeks to provide dental care to people that are many miles and a mountain away from the nearest dentist. The jeep dropped us off at the bottom of a mountain and we began our trek into the clouds. As a novice trekker the walk was made quite challenging by the heat but it was worth it for the breath taking views of the Pokhara valley and the sense of achievement when you reach the top where the temperature became cool and the air became thin.

We were overwhelmed by the traditional welcome we received and we felt like royalty. The guesthouse was run by a lovely family who looked after us very well, we never went hungry and there were always 2^nd helpings of Dal Bhat on offer (the traditional Nepali dish of rich lentils with various spices combined with chicken or potatoes). The guesthouse was very clean and mosquito nets had been put up for us. It was very basic in terms of facilities and it took us a while to get used to the electricity cutting out several times a day, but there was a good back up power supply and we learnt how to get by on just the essentials – a great learning experience and it made me really appreciate what I have at home. We all really missed hot showers though!

We set up our clinic in the local secondary school. We had a room for screening and a room to provide treatment. Our supervisor was always on hand to help with difficult extractions or advice about treatment which was invaluable. For our group of 12 we all treated about 6 patients a day and screened many more. The language barrier was difficult at times, but we had volunteers from the village to help with this, however it was inevitable that sometimes messages were lost in translation, so we did our best to speak slowly and clearly to the volunteers and we learnt a little bit of Nepalese!

The dentistry was pretty basic; although we had an ample supply of materials we did not have aspirators and kept having to ask the patient to spit out as their mouth filled with water from the high speed drill. The lighting made it difficult to screen and treat patients and that’s where the head torches came in very useful. The decontamination process was very different to the UK, with a bucket of soapy water as opposed to an autoclave. There were no facilities to take radiographs prior to extractions and fillings, and there were a few surprises with the occasional three rooted lower molars. All in all, the stark difference between dentistry in the UK and in Nepal made our experience very worthwhile. We had to work together as a team and we learnt a lot!

One of my most memorable days of the project was going around the village with a handful of mirrors, screening the locals who hadn’t had chance to visit the clinic at the school yet. We knocked on doors and I remember being surprised by the amount of people that came out of the small house. Everyone was keen to see us and get their teeth checked and we told anyone who needed treatment to come to the clinic in the next few days, which most of them did. On our way back the heavens opened and we got soaked through and of course the leeches came out in force!

I loved everything about my 2 weeks spent up in the hills in the middle of Nepal. I learnt so much and it was truly an experience of a lifetime that I would recommend to anyone. I have a fantastic sense of achievement, and I’m so pleased that we were able to improve the dental health of a small village in Nepal. The fond farewell we received, being serenaded down the mountain by the village band, showed how much our presence was appreciated and I felt like I had made a real difference.

What not to miss

Kathmandu – You can’t miss the capital, but I wouldn’t recommend staying there for more than a few days. Very smoggy, hectic and completely exceptional!

Pokhara – a far calmer city than Kathmandu. A beautiful lake to go boating on, mountains, Devi falls and loads of activities (paragliding, kayaking etc.) which can be booked at the travel agents.    

Chitwan National Park – my favourite part of Nepal. We were lucky enough to spot wild Rhinos grazing within our first few hours of arriving. A real jungle experience and a fantastic chance to see Nepal’s wildlife and do lots of activities.

A few words in Nepalese

Namaste – the Nepali greeting literally translating as “I see the God in you”

Sutnus – Please sit

Aaarganus – Please open your mouth

Tukgnus – Please spit

Dutcha - Pain

Essential items for in your back pack:

Head Torch - for all those dark evenings with no power and also came in very hand when screening and treating patients.

Nepal Guide book – so you can plan ahead for trips out at the weekend and travelling around Nepal after the placement

Playing Cards – there was very little to do in the evenings in the quiet villages where outreach projects are organised, so you’ll need something to entertain you for a while. Cards also come in handy for games of Ring of Fire (which Grishma, our coordinator, loved!)

Raincoat – it’s very damp up in the clouds and a raincoat is a must.

Walking boots – It’s more than likely you’ll do some walking in Nepal, if you’re going to be out in the wilderness like I was walking boots are essential to avoid pesky leeches in your socks and for keeping your feet nice and dry. If you’re worried about leeches tuck your trousers into your boots otherwise they’ll climb up into your shoes… as I found out the hard way!

Camera – the most important item you could take with you, for catching the majestic Himalayas or locals from the village that are appreciative of your dental handy work!