We have been arranging for all of the Hoi An Orphanage children to receive annual dental care since 2004. This care is provided free of charge by the excellent East Meet West clinic in nearby Danang City. We fund the transportation and meal costs and it can take 10 days to complete all the assessments and treatments. In 2009, we arranged treatment for 86 children.

On our first visit, the dental staff said that the Orphanage children had the worst teeth they had ever seen. Neglect on the part of Orphanage staff and the steady stream of tourists who visit and bring sweets and sugar-filled snacks contributed significantly to these problems. Fortunately we have significantly improved dental hygiene standards and now receive many compliments on the state of the children's teeth. The adoptive mother of one of the children who later went to America, said:

"I owe you big time for Amy's teeth - when we first came home and I took her to the dentist he was astounded that she had perfect, clean, straight teeth. She told me about all the dental work that she had done and that you take the kids to the dentist in Danang and I just have to say a huge THANK YOU! I've spent thousands of dollars on my first adopted daughter's teeth through the years which were so rotten from early malnutrition and now she needs braces, it is a huge help to have Amy have beautiful perfect teeth! And she is the best tooth brusher I have ever seen - somebody taught her really well."

Good dental hygiene is an integral part of our education programme.