Have you ever wondered what it’s like each day for our medical mission teams caring for those in need across the world? There is only so much photo updates on Operation International’s social media channels can reveal from these life-changing trips. In reality, each day is a long, often complex marathon that requires all team members to do their part both for the patients and for team morale, local staff training, and logistics.

Below is a glimpse into this hard work from Operation International’s newest dental team, Team Atlanta, who completed their inaugural trip to Ghana earlier this year. In all, the team provided care for more than 350 patients in just five days.

Here’s are day-to-day updates provided directly by the team:

Day 0: Arrival

Team Atlanta arrived safely in Techiman and Sunday morning was utilized to set up the clinics and ensure that all equipment was working efficiently. So far, there are approximately 800 patients that have registered already. Later on in the afternoon we organized a team building experience with the local dentists and support staff at a nearby park and waterfalls to energize everyone for the week ahead.

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Day 1  

Day 1 of our mission started on Monday and the team of dentists and hygienists saw 77 patients and performed more than 135 procedures, which included but was not limited to soft tissue surgical procedures, multiple restorations, root canals, surgical extractions. We also performed many, many cleanings by our superb hygienist Elibeth through the course of the day and help from our first-time assistants on a mission trip Ashley, Melissa, Vansh and Shubh, who were all rock stars.

Day 2

Day 2 of our mission was another incredible day serving the Techiman community. Our team of dentists, hygienists, assistants, and local volunteers treated 91 patients throughout the day, providing well over 130 procedures. Care included routine cleanings, numerous extractions, composite restorations, root canal treatments, fluoride therapy, and other restorative procedures tailored to each patient’s needs.

The teamwork continued to be outstanding as our experienced providers worked alongside the local dental staff while our mission assistants Ashley, Melissa, Vansh, and Shubh continued to gain hands-on experience by assisting chairside, preparing operatories, sterilizing instruments, and helping ensure patients moved efficiently through treatment.

It was another rewarding day filled with smiles, compassion, and life changing dental care, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Ghana together.

Day 3

Day 3 of our mission was another busy and rewarding day serving the Techiman community. Our team cared for 95 patients, providing well over 130 dental procedures, including surgical and routine extractions, root canal treatments, composite restorations, cleanings, and other restorative care to improve the oral health of those we served.

It was our longest day yet, with patient needs keeping the clinics open well into the evening. Although we finished much later than expected, the commitment and teamwork never wavered. Every member of the team from our dentists and hygienists to the local staff and assistants, worked tirelessly to ensure each patient equally received the care they needed.

The day was a great reminder of why we are here. Seeing the gratitude on patients’ faces and watching everyone come together to serve made the long hours worthwhile. We are thankful for another successful day and look forward to continuing our mission tomorrow.

Day 4

Day 4 of our mission was another busy and rewarding day serving the Techiman community. Our team cared for 100 patients, providing a wide range of dental procedures including surgical and routine extractions, root canal treatments, composite restorations, cleanings, and other restorative care.

We also enjoyed a celebratory pizza lunch with our local staff, giving everyone a chance to recharge and enjoy some time together before getting back to work.

It was another late day at the clinic, but the dedication and teamwork remained strong throughout. Everyone continued working hard to ensure each patient received the care they needed, making Day 4 another successful and meaningful day for Team Atlanta.

Day 5

Day 5 marked the final day of our mission in Techiman, and the team remained committed to providing care until the very end. Our dentists, hygienists, assistants, and local staff continued working together to provide extractions, root canal treatments, restorations, cleanings, and other necessary dental care to the community.

After completing our final day of treatment, we came together with the local staff for a goodbye ceremony, which was a wonderful way to close out the week. It gave everyone an opportunity to celebrate what we accomplished together, share our appreciation, and recognize the relationships that were built throughout the mission.

It was a meaningful ending to an incredible week of service. Team Atlanta is extremely grateful to everyone who helped make this mission possible and especially to the local team who welcomed us and worked alongside us throughout the week. We leave Techiman with great memories and appreciation for the experience.

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