Mission Trip 2019 Mayreau

In February 2019, Jennifer Geiselhofer, our Executive Director, embarked on a vacation through the Grenadine Islands on a sailboat with her friends. Having visited once before, she knew of a small medical clinic on the island of Mayreau. Determined to make a difference on the second trip, Jennifer planned to do a solo dental hygiene mission during her three-day stay on the island. Equipped with a dedicated suitcase filled with dental instruments, an ultrasonic scaler, and a bottle of SDF to obliterate decay, the outdoor waiting room quickly filled with locals eager to receive care from an American dental hygienist.

Mayreau, is the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines, at approximately 0.46 sq. miles and home to a population of only 271 people made up of just 10 unrelated families. With no resident dentist and only monthly visits from a medical doctor, dental care requires a 4 hour ferry ride to St. Vincent and an over night stay because the ferry only travels once a day. The children of Mayreau suffered from severe cavities similar to baby bottle tooth decay caused by excessive consumption of natural fruits and juices from the trees, and insufficient daily brushing. Despite some obstacles, the mission achieved remarkable success, leaving a lasting impact on the island community.

The arrangement between Jennifer and the Medical Director for the Grenadine Islands was made months in advance. When Jennifer arrived, the people of Mayreau embraced her with open arms. Her purpose on the island was no secret with just 271 residents. She was escorted up the hill to the medical clinic in a side-by-side as several locals stopped her to ask questions. A highlight for the children were numerous packages of stickers that Jennifer brought from home, knowing this would be nice surprise.