Kopan September 2026
The team of volunteers met in Kopan Monastery over a 2 week period, 31st August to 11th September 2026. The group consisted of myself as coordinator, Drs Jen Ailes (England), Malina Wienhold (Germany), Rajesh Singh (Australia), dental student Lea Gessler (Germany), dental assistant Allyson Trandai (USA), and Jen’s partner, Tom Thornton (England).
For the second time, we had a non-dental person helping. Tom is a carpenter and builder by trade, proved most helpful, not only doing odd jobs, but assisted in entering patient treatment records on the computer and even did some dental assisting.
The timing of this visit was just two days after the massive tsunami affected the region in the Trishuli valley, approximately 120km to the northwest of Kathmandu. Even though, none of the monks or nun’s families had been affected, the monks from Kopan Monastery headed up to the affected area to perform a special fire puja ceremony as well as organise a shipment of essential supplies for the survivors.
We worked with the two fixed chairs, and saw a total of 194 patients, which included completing 46 fillings 17 fissure sealants, 52 scale and cleans and 6 extractions, including one of an impacted lower third molar, which I performed very ably assisted by Allyson.
When possible, a team meeting was held to discuss the day’s work and debrief. This proved very useful in improving our workflow. We were fortunate to have a senior student monk translate and organise the patients, particularly with the names.
Plans are in place to upgrade the older fixed chair at our next trip in April 2027 which will further improve the clinic.
On the middle Saturday, Tom organised a hiking trip through the forest up to Tarabhir in the foothills. We hiked up though the forest and came down through the villages catching a glimpse of country life. The group also enjoyed heading into town, after work to the Boudha Stupa area, or Thamel to relax and take in local culture and food.
Once again, the group bonded well; It seems that the psyche of a person willing to volunteer their time is co-operative. Plus, the attraction of trekking/hiking appeals to most of us. It never ceases to amaze me that a group of 7 disparate people can come together at the start of a trip and bond and work together as a well-oiled machine after a few days. I thank all those who volunteered, for your hard work and friendship.
Janet Scott
September 2026
