G. Nazarian: A Dental Clinic At Camp Siranoush

By Garo Nazarian, DDS

There are endless countries, territories, and states across our globe in dire need of dental care for the underprivileged. During the past two summers, I spent a week providing dental care for the orphaned and disadvantaged children of Armenia. This irreplaceable and one of a kind experience was fulfilling, gratifying, and educational all at the same time.

I spent a week providing dental care for the orphaned and disadvantaged children of Armenia. This irreplaceable and one of a kind experience was fulfilling, gratifying, and educational all at the same time.

Camp, or “jambar” as it is known in Armenian, has become one of the many programs set up through the Church of Armenia for orphans as well as the underprivileged. Camp Siranoush is located in a charming and picturesque area of southwestern Armenia, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, within the Vayotz Dzor province and adjacent to the beautiful Arpa River. Hosted by Archbishop Ibrahim, Primate of the Diocese of Suinik, between 100-200 orphans and underprivileged children come from eight different regions of Armenia and Georgia for each of the three camp sessions held each summer.

At Jambar the children swim, play sports, sing, dance, fish, and participate in arts and crafts classes. During the evenings they socialize and showcase their talents in acting, singing, dancing, and learn more about their religious and cultural birthright. Similar to many of the summer camps in the United States, the children develop friendships and memories that are both invaluable and last a lifetime.

One of the more unique aspects of the camp, along with the regular day to day camp activities, is the opportunity for the children to receive dental care performed by passionate and dedicated dentists and volunteers from all over the world. Armenian dental volunteers have been providing free dental care to the poor, orphaned, and underprivileged since 1994, with Dr. Viken Garabedian of Laguna Niguel, Calif. as the catalyst. The program began, as Garabedian explained to me, with lawn chairs, flashlights, and all things basic. In 1998, the camp’s dental clinic was established with aid from several Armenian and local dental societies. Today, it operates as a modern four-operatory American clinic, with an x-ray machine, dental tools, handpieces, and modern dental materials. With the influx of fresh supplies sent each year, as well as those brought by volunteer dentists, the Jambar Dental Clinic seems more modern than some American dental offices.

In 2008, when I first volunteered in Armenia, I was green and fresh-faced as I met with Garabedian and his team of dentists. Included in the late July-early August 2008 dental team were longtime volunteers Dr. Charles Tatosian, an endodontist from Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Dr. Jeffrey Wittmus, a general dentist from Chicago, Ill. During that session our team, which also included our brother dentists from Armenia and Karabagh, completed hundreds of treatment plans; each child received an exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment, as well as hundreds of amalgam and composite fillings, countless extractions, and as many root canals as Tatosian could manage during our 12-hour work days over the two-week span.

One of the more unique aspects of the camp, along with the regular day to day camp activities, is the opportunity for the children to receive dental care performed by passionate and dedicated dentists and volunteers from all over the world.

In July 2009, I was lucky enough to return to Jambar and have an opportunity to work with the same “all-star team” I worked with in 2008. What a joy it was to return and see many of the previous year’s camp staff and the volunteer dentists from Stepanakert and Gymuri, as well as to experience the familiar sight and sounds of the dental clinic, which was located in a valley surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery one could imagine. The only difference was that this time, we each brought a large suitcase with us from halfway around the world filled with fresh dental supplies for the clinic. (I brought latex gloves and anesthesia.) Just as in 2008, our team was able to complete the hundreds of treatment plans we had planned to do. Again, we worked from morning until night, completing composites and amalgam fillings, extractions and root canals, and even a select few “cosmetic cases.” Included in the treatment plans were exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments for the campers, who ranged from ages 9-16.

One of the most difficult parts of traveling to Armenia and then to Jambar (which is a three-hour drive through the mountains from Yerevan) is leaving. On the day of our departure, the children and staff had gathered in masses along the river as countless pictures were taken, contacts were exchanged, and promises were made to return again the following year. For a moment, I could not help but remember my own days as a camper at Camp Haiastan, and the contacts exchanged and promises made…before returning home.

The rewards of volunteer work have been life-changing for me. The friends I have made, the memories, the appreciation, and love received from the children we have treated, as well as the feelings of self-satisfaction and fulfillment, are truly priceless.