Page 12 - Bulletin Vol 29 No 2 - May. - Aug. 2024 FINAL

In Our Society | Making A Difference

Flying Doctors of America - El Salvador Mission
Our very own Nassau County Dental Society President, Dr Douglas Schildhaus returned in April from
leading a successful Medical/Dental Mission trip to El Salvador, with Flying Doctors of America. His team
consisted of healthcare professionals from all over the United States in the areas of Triage, Emergency
Medicine, General Medicine, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Dentistry, Oral
Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, and Pharmacy. Joining Dr. Schildhaus on the all-Long Island Dental
Team were Dr. John Gaeta, Dr. Michael Schwartz, Dr. Tarandeep Singh, Dental Students Lauren Mistretta
and Cailin Cleary, and Dental Assistants Maria Delcid, and Jennifer Ortiz. In addition to performing
extractions, glass ionomer sealants, fluoride treatments, and education, this incredible Dental Team
performed a lifesaving procedure on a patient with a Dental Infection who developed a condition called
Ludwig’s Angina. The grateful patient was followed up on and is fully recovered at home enjoying her
grandchildren. In summary, Dr. Schildhaus and his hard-working team treated over 1100 patients in very
poor communities, who have little or no access to any Medical or Dental care. As a reward, the team had
time to enjoy a beautiful Pacific Ocean black sand beach, as well as hike to the top of an active
volcano. Certainly a life-changing experience for all involved.

FDOA Dental Team: Jennifer Ortiz, Lauren Mistretta,
Maria Delcid, Cailin Cleary, Dr. John Gaeta, Dr. Tarandeep
Singh, Dr. Michael Schwartz, and Dr. Douglas Schildhaus Dr. Tarandeep Singh, Dr. Douglas Schildhaus, Maria Delcid
with one of their patients

The Team enjoying some down time exploring
the Santa Ana Volcano

Dr. Schildhaus and Lauren Mistretta
with some grateful young patients.
Dr. Douglas Schildhaus with Maria Delcid
extracting a tooth on a young boy in pain.

12 | Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ www.nassaudental.org