Dental aid in Nepal: Treating monks and nuns in Buddhist monasteries

Dr Deborah Clement caring for a young monk. (Image: Melissa Dirsch)

In our often stressful daily lives as dentists, filled with administrative tasks, it is easy to lose sight of our core motivation to help others. Yet, it is a great privilege as dental professionals to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Growing up in one of the world’s most privileged countries, we have a responsibility to assist those less fortunate. This sense of duty inspired us to join a volunteer project. Having been raised near the Alps, we yearned for a distant place with even higher mountains and discovered Project Yeti in Nepal.

The project was founded in 2012 by Australian dentist Dr George Manos, who, coming from a humble Greek immigrant background, felt compelled to give back to disadvantaged communities. Motivated by his Buddhist faith and his father—a monk who established a medical clinic at Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu in Nepal—he launched the project with his wife, Helen. The initial stages were challenging, as Dr Manos explained: “It started with an empty room with only an electricity connection, a portable unit, a few instruments and limited materials. Power cuts were frequent, and a nun with no dental experience assisted.” Since then, international teams of dentists, hygienists and assistants have travelled to Nepal each spring and autumn to offer their help. In addition to the Kopan Monastery clinic, the project serves a clinic in the remote Himalayas, treating students from Mount Everest School.

Kopan Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist institution, rises majestically over the bustling city of Kathmandu. It is a spectacular, almost otherworldly place, radiating a peace and tranquillity that makes the stress of life back home in Germany seem distant. Alongside other dentists, from Australia, the UK and the Czech Republic, we lived within the monastery grounds, where we primarily treated young monks from impoverished backgrounds, often sent there by their families in hopes of a better life.

The project boasts a well-stocked supply of donated consumables. We had access to digital radiography machines, autoclaves, VDW endodontic motors and more. Adapting to our new workspace was enjoyable and tested our improvisation skills. We measured endodontic files with a school ruler, and our rinsing solution was bleach from the local laundry. Plans for the future include training local staff in oral health to conduct check-ups and preventive care until the next visiting team arrives. Additional plans involve setting up two more treatment units at a neighbouring nunnery and digitising the existing patient records.

The high level of patient compliance was striking. Even during challenging procedures, such as anaesthesia, they remained stoic—a trait seemingly influenced by their Buddhist way of life. The young monks spent much of their day meditating, and treatments felt like an extension of this practice.

Most treatments performed during our stay addressed occlusal fissure caries. Patients had not received preventive fissure sealants and consumed a high amount of refined carbohydrates. Traditional Nepalese cuisine, along with pocket money spent on biscuits and chocolate, contributed to these dental issues. Over the project period, we examined 374 patients, placed 216 fillings, extracted 36 teeth and provided 137 cleanings. Numerous radiographs and oral hygiene sessions were also conducted.

The older monks graciously included us in daily discussions on Buddhist philosophy, introduced us to Buddhism and gave us detailed tours of the monastery grounds. In our free time, we explored the monastery’s vast library, visited central Kathmandu and connected with other guests attending meditation courses. Our time at the monastery flew by, and we can confidently say they were among the happiest days of our lives. This world is so extraordinary and unlike anything we know.

Afterwards, we travelled to the Annapurna region, trekking up to the 5,400 metre Thorong La mountain pass, where we took a moment to reflect on our purpose from afar. This reinforced our desire to continue contributing to improved oral health, especially for those in need.

Guided by the wisdom of the monastery, “But what need is there to say much more? The childish work for their own benefit. These Buddhas work for the benefit of others. Just look at the difference between them! The practice of equalising oneself with others is a holy and mystical practice.” Our journey will continue soon.