The International Association of Paediatric Dentistry project, Dentists For All Children, was launched at the Paris Congress, in 2001, with sponsorship from the 3M and Oral B corporations and the Dr. Sam Harris Foundation. Since then, Colgate, GC Corporation and Air Liquide International have added their names to the growing list of sponsors. Having these sponsorships is imperative. Their support makes DENFAC a reality and the more support that is obtained, the greater the impact of the project.

The DENFAC project is a "teach the teacher" educational program that has been designed for less wealthy nations as judged by World Bank data and/or the United Nations Human Index. It is available to IAPD member nations requiring assistance to advance paediatric dentistry teaching in their countries. A major strategy of DENFAC is to work with the host country to identify their needs and tailor a program for specifically them. A preliminary visit occurs to discuss current teaching needs, assess the facilities, establish goals and determine the methods of evaluation. A workshop plan is designed. The volunteer leaders-speakers hold a one-week workshop. If the workshop is well received, the plan calls for a return visit for the following year.

Since its introduction, DENFAC has made good progress. Workshops have been held in Romania, Turkey and Poland: Current plans are to visit Senegal and Peru.

Those interested in participating in DENFAC�. to receive the project in your nation, to participate as workshop speakers-leaders, or to gain information about being a corporate sponsor should write or e-mail to the Dr. Gerald Wright, Secretary General IAPD, at:

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DENFAC in China 2006 (544 KB)