The following report about a dental visit to the primitive Pijiguaos Indians is shared by Venezuelan dentist Veronica Duque. Adventist Medical Aviation has once again brought the satisfaction of seeing healthy smiles on the faces of Indigenous children, making the efforts worthwhile. During the month of November, 2006 we made dental visits seven remote villages in the Gran Sabana region of Venezuela, among which the shy Pijiguaos people live. AMA is just beginning to work with this tribe. Dental care in these places is badly needed, mainly because of recent changes resulting poor diet practices.
Instead of their original high fiber diets, they now consume a lot of sugar and other refined foods. This has
resulted in many cavities and toothless children at a young age. This trend can be turned around by teaching good dietary habits as well as proper dental care.
We worked mainly on children ages 3 to 18, although many adults needed our services as well. We focused primarily on prevention, teaching them the basics of dental hygiene. We also 
applied fluoride and pulled teeth that were badly decayed. 
Eventually we hope to acquire portable dental equipment, which will enable us to do more complicated procedures, such as tooth restorations, which will help improve their overall health. 
A total of 320 patients received dental care, of which more than half were 
children. 
I’m grateful to God for the abilities and gifts He has given us so we can serve others. Thousands of persons on this planet are seeking health, love and happiness. The Divine Physician provides these things, and we are only instruments in His hands to make them a reality. Veronica Duque, DDS