TOP TEETH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OUR FIRST MOVER AND SHAKER DR. GARO NAZARIAN ON HIS ANNUAL TRIP TO ARMENIA
Dr. Garo Nazarian tells us:
There are endless countries, territories, and states across our globe in dire need of dental care for the underprivileged. During the past few summers since 2008, I spent a week providing dental care for the orphaned and disadvantaged children of Armenia. This irreplaceable and one of a kind experience was fulfilling, gratifying, and educational all at the same time.
Camp, or “jambar” as it is known in Armenian, has become one of the many programs set up through the Church of Armenia for orphans as well as the underprivileged. Camp Siranoush is located in a charming and picturesque area of southwestern Armenia, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, within the Vayotz Dzor province and adjacent to the beautiful Arpa River. Hosted by Archbishop Ibrahim, Primate of the Diocese of Suinik, between 100-200 orphans and underprivileged children come from eight different regions of Armenia and Georgia for each of the three camp sessions held each summer.At Jambar the children swim, play sports, sing, dance, fish, and participate in arts and crafts classes. During the evenings they socialize and showcase their talents in acting, singing, dancing, and learn more about their religious and cultural birthright.
Similar to many of the summer camps in the United States, the children develop friendships and memories that are both invaluable and last a lifetime.One of the more unique aspects of the camp, along with the regular day to day camp activities, is the opportunity for the children to receive dental care performed by passionate and dedicated dentists and volunteers from all over the world. Armenian dental volunteers have been providing free dental care to the poor, orphaned, and underprivileged since 1994, with Dr. Viken Garabedian of Laguna Niguel, Calif. as the catalyst. The program began, as Garabedian explained to me, with lawn chairs, flashlights, and all things basic.
In 1998, the camp’s dental clinic was established with aid from several Armenian and local dental societies. Today, it operates as a modern four-operatory American clinic, with an x-ray machine, dental tools, handpieces, and modern dental materials. With the influx of fresh supplies sent each year, as well as those brought by volunteer dentists, the Jambar Dental Clinic seems more modern than some American dental offices.In 2008, when I first volunteered in Armenia, I was green and fresh-faced as I met with Garabedian and his team of dentists. Included in the late July-early August 2008 dental team were longtime volunteers Dr. Charles Tatosian, an endodontist from Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Dr. Jeffrey Wittmus, a general dentist from Chicago, Ill. During that session our team, which also included our brother dentists from Armenia and Karabagh, completed hundreds of treatment plans; each child received an exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment, as well as hundreds of amalgam and composite fillings, countless extractions, and as many root canals as Tatosian could manage during our 12-hour work days over the two-week span.
One of the more unique aspects of the camp, along with the regular day to day camp activities, is the opportunity for the children to receive dental care performed by passionate and dedicated dentists and volunteers from all over the world. In July 2009, 2010, and 2011 I was lucky enough to return to Jambar and have an opportunity to work with the same “all-star team” I worked with in 2008. What a joy it was to return and see many of the previous year’s camp staff and the volunteer dentists from Stepanakert and Gymuri, as well as to experience the familiar sight and sounds of the dental clinic, which was located in a valley surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery one could imagine. The only difference was that this time, we each brought a large suitcase with us from halfway around the world filled with fresh dental supplies for the clinic. (I brought latex gloves and anesthesia.) Just as in 2008, our team was able to complete the hundreds of treatment plans we had planned to do. Again, we worked from morning until night, completing composites and amalgam fillings, extractions and root canals, and even a select few “cosmetic cases.” Included in the treatment plans were exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments for the campers, who ranged from ages 9-16. One of the most difficult parts of traveling to Armenia and then to Jambar (which is a three-hour drive through the mountains from Yerevan) is leaving. On the day of our departure, the children and staff had gathered in masses along the river as countless pictures were taken, contacts were exchanged, and promises were made to return again the following year. For a moment, I could not help but remember my own days as a camper at Camp Haiastan, and the contacts exchanged and promises made…before returning home. The rewards of volunteer work have been life-changing for me. The friends I have made, the memories, the appreciation, and love received from the children we have treated, as well as the feelings of self-satisfaction and fulfillment, are truly priceless. I returned again this year recently this summer and again, the experience was completely rewarding.
Peachy Deegan interviewed Dr. Garo Nazarian for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: How did you first hear about this Dental Mission before participating in 2008?
Dr. Garo Nazarian: I first heard about it from a colleague who had volunteered there back in about 2003.
How has the Dental Mission evolved since then and how has each year differed?
It has evolved in the sense that there are more supplies, more volunteers. Each year is different and some years there is more help and supplies and some years we are lacking in both categories.
If others would like to become involved either as Dental Professionals or as people that want to help, how can they become involved?
If they would like to be involved they can contact me (garo.nazarian@gmail.com) to either volunteer or donate to the non-profit dental society (501-3c) "Armenian Dental Society". The money donated will go directly for supplies to the summer clinic and/or costs to help run the nearbhy dental clinic set up at the university for year round costs to run it.
What aspects of this mission have become the most rewarding for you?
Seeing the smiles and interacting with the children as well as being able to personally see most of the helpers and staff and villagers when i return year after year.
Do you see some of the same children year after year?
We do see some of the same children, but there are many different groups of children who are lucky enough to be able to participate in the camp set up through the work of the Armenian Church and the Bishop of the region.
What should our readers know about Armenians as people?
Armenian people are nearly a homogeneous population of ethnic Armenians. Because of wide-ranging and long-lasting diaspora, an estimated total of 3 million people of full or partial Armenian ancestry live outside of Armenia. They are kind and spirited people who have persevered for centuries through wars, genocides and famines to maintain their unique and one-of-a kind cultural identity.
What should our readers know about Armenia as a country?
Armenians have had a presence in the Armenian Highland for over four thousand years, since the time when Haik, the legendary patriarch and founder of the first Armenian nation, led them to victory over Bel of Babylon. Today, with a population of 3.5 million, they not only constitute an overwhelming majority in Armenia, but also in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians in the diaspora informally refer to them as Hayastantsis (Հայաստանցի), meaning those that are from Armenia (that is, they or their ancestors were not forced to flee in 1915). They, as well as the Armenians of Iran and Russia speak the Eastern dialect of the Armenian language. The country itself is secular as a result of Soviet domination, but most of its citizens are Apostolic Armenian Christian.
Do you know of parallel programs such as this in other countries?
There are many...
There are many...
Are you involved in any volunteer work like this in the United States?
I'm involved with the local dental societies.
What aspects of this program are you proudest of?
Being able to treat every one of the children that attend the camp sessions.
What do you appreciate the most about America when you return?
The upkeep (roads, housing, free-economy)
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