Ever wonder what Rotary Youth Exchange students do to care for their teeth while away from home? Our illustrious president, JoAnne Tanner makes sure their needs are met!
RYE Students: Eline Geminiani (France), Emmely Wachenhausen (Germany), Ayano Nara (Japan), Juliana Agreda Benavides (Colombia), Kush Gandhi (India), Thiago Finkler (Brazil).
To Read JoAnne's story on why she started the program, her vision for the program, and the many Rotarians that are helping to make it a success, click the Read More
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is the opportunity of a lifetime for more than 8,000 students who participate each yer by sharing cultures to help foster global understanding. RYE is a study-abroad chance for young people to spend a full year as an international student hosted by local Rotary clubs. It is a positive life-changing experience for them.
As a dental professional for over 30 years, I wondered if the RYE students were receiving preventative dental care during their stay in the United States. The answer is - NO they weren't. And I didn't find that an acceptable answer. I contemplated how I might bring the Rotarian dental professionals in District 5180 and our 10 Sacramento area RYE students together to ensure healthy smiles are among their memories.
The resulting answer: Local dental professionals were receptie to my idea and graiously offered to provide a complimentary preventative dental exam, cleaning and preventative dental care kit. Dental kits were donated by Roseville Rotarian, Dr. Kayla Nguyen of A+ Dental Care.
The "Exchange Smiles" program was created and implemented none too soon! One of the RYE students experienced a dental emergency the weekend after receiving her kit.
Ann Hively, transitional host Mom shared this story:
"Greetings! Thanks to the wonderful dental program put together by Passport Rotarian, JoAnne Tanner, Malu was examined first by dentist Dr. Ramouna Karvar of Fair Oaks concerning a possible gum infection after a wisdom tooth extraction in Peru. Dr. Karvar's x-ray showed a possible root canal problem so Malu was referred to Fair Oak's Rotarian and endodontist, Dr. Richard Chang. Fortunately his conclusion was that it was an infection, not a root canal problem. After taking antibiotics for a week, we returned to dr. Chang Monday afternoon The infection has cleared up! All 3 of these exams were given with NO charge, and in each case they made time to see Malu the day I called!!! We were so impressed with the generosity and kindness of both dentists and thank JoAnne for creating this great program for our exchange students!"
I am grateful for the assistance of the Sacramento dental Society. If not for the generosity and support of the following dental professionals, District 5180's RYE students' healthy smiles wouldn't have been possible:
Dr. Nancy Archibald Dr. Kayla Nguyen
Rotary Club of Sunrise Roseville Rotary Club of Roseville
Dr. Richard Chang Dr. Alan Rabe
Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Rotary Club of East Sacramento
Dr. Ramouna Karvar Roikjer Dr. Camelia Cifor
Spouse of W. Sacramento Rotarian Dr. G. Curtis Croft
Dr. Shipp Dr. Lisa Mayeda
Rotary Club of Carmichael
Dr. Wes Yee
Past President - Rotary Club of Sacramento
More Cause to smile...
It is now my goal to promote this successful pilot Exchange Smiles Program throughout the Rotary Districts in California and my greater vision is to see it adopted as a RYE international component.