Poptun, Peten, Guatemala

After Dr. Maria’s first mission trip, she decided she wanted to make a trip at least once a year. She visited Poptun, Peten, Guatemala in 2009. The dental mission team consisted of Dr. Maria, one other dentist, a dental assistant, a dental hygienist, and the nurse of the hospital. This dental mission was open to all people including adults and children. Many of the patients walked for miles to the free clinic. Between the staff, they saw about 40 patients a day, for 5 days.

The hospital, Hospital Distrital de Poptun, Peten opened the dental clinic for the native people.

The waiting room was constantly full of people with dental care needs. In five days, the missions team saw about 250 patients.

Dr. Maria Loukas performed various procedures including extractions, cleanings, composite white fillings, and more.

Many instruments and supplies were generously donated by Dr. Maria and other team members.

Dr. Loukas worked with other dentists as a team and assisted when needed due to the lack of dental assistants.

Many patients left the clinic very happy and grateful for the dental care they received.

Dr. Maria loved the beautiful and very green scenery in Poptun.

The dental mission team after the long week enjoyed a sight seeing day in Antigua, Guatemala.