Janet Grobe-Hood, DDS assistant professor of restorative dentistry (NCA) University of Texas Dental Branch
	Annual Dental School Delegation Trip to Mulukuku, Nicaragua
Since 1998, a team from the University of Texas Dental Branch (UTDB) and Medical Branch in Galveston has volunteered its time to help those in need of patient care in Nicaragua.  Dr. Janet Grobe Hood helps lead this endeavor by organizing the dental team of a group of approximately 40 volunteers consisting of dentists, dental and dental-hygiene students, physicians, medical students, nurse practitioners, nursing and allied health students.  Their chief mission is to provide medical and dental care at the Maria Luisa Ortiz Women’s Cooperative and Clinic, which was founded in 1988 by the people of the town of Mulukuku, Nicaragua in response to the devastation of the civil war and Hurricane Joan. “The Nicaragua mission is a strong representation of the goals of UTHSC-H,” says Dr. Hood, “it contributes to the goals of patient care and service, education and research.” The trip gives the students the opportunity to experience the practice of public health dentistry, and help faculty facilitate international exposure and develops projects addressing global health. The program serves as an introduction into primary health care in developing countries, and is unlike any other course at UTDB in international public health.  “It’s an opportunity for reflection and an in-depth experience of another culture for students and faculty members,” explains Dr. Hood. Nicaragua is the 2nd poorest country in the western hemisphere, and there are few health services for the rural areas.  Mulukuku is set in one of the poorest settings of the country, with no running water, paved roads and limited electricity.  The team from UTDB is greatly appreciated and anticipated for their services, with some patients traveling over two days walking to see them. Dr. Hood first heard about the award from its previous reputation, and fellow colleague, Dr. Kishore Shetty.  “I felt that this award seemed to fit perfectly with our program,” says Dr. Hood. “Currently, there are no funds allocated to the program yet it is very important to the department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials.”  The cost of the trip is over a thousand dollars per person, and provides basic dormitories and eating local foods but still prevents some students and faculty from attending.  The award will be split between all UTDB participants towards the cost of the trip planned for 2008.