Santa Maria de Cahabon is remote. It is located in Alta Vera Paz in Guatemala, one of the poorest parts of the country, one of the poorest countries in the world. There is a lack of many things here, including basic access to dental care. Children, in particular, suffer from severe dental caries problems, and young women – who often marry as young as 16 – struggle with significant dental damage that burdens their future. We at Corazon de Cacao live and work here in the region and have made it our mission to help these people improve their quality of life, regain their smiles, and create a better foundation for healthy teeth.
Irma's Story: The Power of a Smile
After a 90-minute drive over bumpy country roads, we arrived in the village. Here we call it Aldeas. As usual, we were greeted by the whole group of people who had been waiting for the dentists. Including Irma. At 16, she already had severe cavities in her front teeth. Irma was of marriageable age at 16. Naturally, she wanted to face her "future husband" with a confident smile. But her teeth – especially the front ones – were severely damaged and disfigured. The dentist who examined Irma first shook his head in regret: The teeth should actually be removed.
Irma's eyes filled with tears as her grandmother sat quietly beside her, observing the scene. Then something extraordinary happened: the grandmother – a woman of quiet inner strength – lifted her gaze and looked firmly and intensely at the dentist. In that one moment, her gaze said everything – hope, a silent plea, and the determination to reach into the heart of Linus, the doctor, for Irma.
Linus later recounted that he didn't even know why he changed his mind and decided to "give the teeth a chance". For three hours, he worked tirelessly, shaping, filling, and restoring the teeth. Every movement of his hands was imbued with empathy and dedication as he rebuilt the shattered smile piece by piece.
When Irma looked in the mirror and saw her new, healthy smile, she burst into tears. But they were tears of joy, relief, and gratitude. The joy that lit up her face in that moment touched the whole team. It was a piece of hope, a promise of a better future, that she now held tightly.
Dentists and supporters wanted: A give and take
Our project thrives on people who are committed, whether through voluntary work or donations. For the dentists coming to Guatemala, it is a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the life and culture of the community. It is an enrichment that goes beyond the daily work in Germany – a connection to people whose hospitality and gratitude deeply touch us. At the same time, we rely on financial support to fund transport, materials, and, in the future, perhaps a mobile clinic vehicle. Every donation helps us provide the necessary resources so that the smile that Irma has found can also be given to many other children and young people.
Our entire work would not be possible if we were not supported by DIANO, an organisation in Germany. DIANO has been involved from the very beginning, and we learn from and benefit from the experience of this organisation.
Education and prevention as keys to change
Even though we do not work with traditional KPIs, we still recognise the progress. Through continuous education and our regular visits, more and more people are learning how important dental care and a low-sugar diet are. In every village we visit, we build on the knowledge of the people and strengthen awareness for a healthy future. And where people already take care of their teeth, dentists have less work to do.
Here's how you can help
The support of individuals and organisations who wish to promote the project in the long term is crucial. Whether through donations, the referral of dentists, or sharing this story – every form of help brings us closer to our goal: healthy teeth and radiant smiles that touch hearts. For the smile we give means far more than dental health – it is a gift of hope and dignity that offers people like Irma a new perspective.
