U.S. and Moldovan Dentists Treat Moldovan Orphan Children

CHISINAU, May 13, 2011 — US and Moldovan military and civilian dentists provided during May 9-13 free dental care to Moldovan children residing in the Ialoveni and Straseni boarding schools.

Colonel Jeff Weiss, LTC Glenn Garland and Sergeant First Class Steven Flowers as part of North Carolina National Guard team traveled to Moldova to volunteer on this dental mission.

The team effort was aided by Dr. Ion Lupan, Dean of the Dentistry Department Moldova State Medical and Pharmaceutical University „N. Testimitanu” and Dr. Oleg Solomon, Assistant Dean of the Dentistry Department, with support of military doctors such as: Colonel Simion Adam, Chief of the Moldovan Army Military Hospital and Major Andrei Grumeza, Chief of the Dental Section Military Hospital.

They performed over 100 treatments at the Straseni orphanage and the Moldovan National Army Central Military Hospital.

LTC Glenn Garland of the North Carolina National Guard Land Forces stated „I like treating children’s teeth. Little patients are curious human beings. I always explain them how to take care of their teeth trying to make myself clear when conveying a message. This is my third visit to Republic of Moldova within a humanitarian project, which is a great experience for me”.

The event is part of North Carolina-Moldova State Partnership Program and United States European Command Humanitarian Assistance Program.

This humanitarian project is financed through the U.S. European Command’s Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Program and is overseen by the Office of Defense Cooperation and the Bilateral Affairs Office of the US Embassy in Chisinau.