Dental Clinic Project Page

Mission Statement

Missionary work at the downtown Ladies of Charity St Vincent de Paul dental clinic in San Salvador has the purpose of evangelizing visiting American medical staff and caring for local patients without any financial means. Local patients also include the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul who for almost 100 years have dedicated their lives to the poor and orphans of the area. The sisters currently get charity dental care every 24 months no matter what problems they might have.

Current Status

The clinic currently has one part time dentist for a large area due to limited funds to cover labor and supply costs. Until recently the area was controlled by gangs but has been freed of the problem so that patients can visit the clinic for help.

Plans

Initially, semiannual missionary trips starting in February 2026 will bring dentists and assistants from the USA for four days of work from 9am through 4pm. The dentists will be organized in accordance with Commissioned by Christ missions. More frequent dental missions and service expansion to other impoverished towns will be planned as the operation progresses. 

Authorization for missionaries to work will be obtained by Salvadoran medical and dental staff. All necessary documentation will be requested in advance of the visit. For missionary trips the visiting dentists will work at the downtown clinic under offsite Salvadoran supervision and a lead US dentist.

Supplies and patient schedules for the four days of clinic appointments will be prearranged.

A post mission week will be staffed by a Salvadoran dentist to finish procedures that were started and need to be completed.

Work scope and costs (Additional funding sources are needed)

Richers Hope Charities will be the receiver of all donations, cash and products and will make all payments related to the mission and facility. Richers Hope Charities will also provide receipts to all donors.

Donations for both site improvements and supplies will be needed for the facility reconstruction, new equipment, supplies and labor costs for expanded operations when the volunteer missionary dentist are not on site.

Downtown site improvement needs

An second dental chair is needed, the cost is approximately $4,000 installed.

An x-ray system is needed, a portable unit should cost about $3,000.

Room upgrades (cost TBD)

• A building electrical breaker panel changed to provide additional 110v/20a outlets using wiring previously installed to support 240v/60a x-ray connection wiring.

• Replace exterior windows and install a window air conditioner unit.

• The washing sinks, cabinets and counters need to be replaced.

• The compressor cannot be relocated and therefor needs to have a soundproof and fan vented housing.

• The supply storage and dentist’s desk station need to be replaced.

Supplies needed

US lead dentist and Salvadoran Ladies of Charity will collaborate inventory needs to be ordered for each missionary week. Sourcing from the US or El Salvador will be assessed based delivered item prices (US and El Salvador) and donation shipping costs.

Current Clinic