One Tooth for the Tooth Angel in El Salvador

Each morning for six days straight, young Steven  would ask, “Are they coming today?” according to his mother, Arcelia. 

Steven had been having sleepless nights over a painful tooth. Eventually, the day came and the medical team of the Episcopal Church of El Salvador arrived in his community, Izalco. 

Steven was seen first in line on the day, and within a few minutes, the troublesome tooth was out and at last, Steven could smile again. 

Dr. Roberto Flores removed the tooth and packed it nicely in a zip bag, telling Steven to “save it for the tooth angel, so his tooth could grow back again.” 

Dr. Daniella Flamenco, the health program manager for the Episcopal Church of El Salvador, explains that, “In El Salvador, dental care is very expensive, and most community members don’t even have access.” She added, “At the beginning of the program, we were seeing mostly adult patients, but now we can see children, too, with services that include cleanings, fillings, restorations, extractions, topical fluoride.”

Izalco is one of about 60 communities being served by the Episcopal Church of El Salvador’s integrated Health project with support from Episcopal Relief & Development. Clinics are run from seven central points which are visited once every ten days.

Moments That Matter ®, a program partnership of Episcopal Relief & Development, examines a child’s full environment including health and nutrition, and works with caregivers to implement changes so that kids can focus on laughter and enjoyment.