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Update 1/11/2005: This need has been filled. Thanks!

Couple Needed for Dental Service in Cambodia

Elder & Sister Pedersen will be leaving Cambodia on October 28, 2004. They need a couple to replace them and continue serving in their place.

Elder Pedersen writes:

The IDEAL replacement would be a pedodontist, or a GP / family practitioner who has interest in Pedo - space maintenance, eruption guidance, PREVENTIVE care for kids, etc. There are miles and miles to go in delivering service. Our new clinic is functioning remarkably well and there are innumerable young folks in need of good care. The facility lends itself to excellence now.

We have established an excellent working relationship with the Dean, etc.,but he is still "in charge". One of his great desires is to have "graduate" programs in the school. Over the past several months, supported by ICC, the school has now begun a "graduate" orthodontics program.

They have a couple of Brits who come here intermittently, and a resident lady orthodontist (trained in Phillipines? not sure) whose husband is also a dentist and does some ortho. They are at the school most of the time and have 4 "grad students" - Mom Sovanrithy, et al. Also, when Monika, Phoumsen, San Nheep, and Vutha finished Callum's grad pedo program, (late last year) the Dean didn't want me starting any more "grad ortho" students. Which is OK by me. I've had PLENTY to do.

Phoum Sen has started other cases, San Nheep has, etc. My goal has been to get Monika and Lykuong "up to speed" to be able to handle full appliances, close spaces, understand anchorage, esthetics, etc. so they can do some and teach some when we leave. Dr. Lykuong is also capable of teaching some. PS et al - not. Tith has been "soloing" for a LONG while - we are close friends, but he wants to do it alone. He is one of the BRIGHTEST individuals I have ever met! More on "reasons" after we get home.

We have completed the central sterilization facility, the pedo clinic is a MUST wander around place for the Dean every AM, Phumsen is VERY capable and stands her ground with dignity. I have asked her and the dean if we (LDSC) could be involved "full time" in the pedo clinic, teaching pedo. PS is VERY open to this. The Dean I think is also. Must confirm. My recommendation (bottom line) is that we not bring an orthodontist again, but preferably a pedodontist or Family Practice who likes pedo. Meanwhile, Monika is trying to get faculty status so she can continue to come on Thursdays and offer her PEDO skill (marvelous) plus offer some ortho to the kids who need it. ESPECIALLY in space maint, etc. - growth guidance. I have ordered supplies for soldering, etc. and should have things ready to go when we leave. We also will have (I think) about $2500 budget money left. Hoped to be able to purchase another chair, but that would wipe us out.

Apartment

We will be leaving Cambodia on Oct 28, so there will be a short hiatus between our departure date and your arrival. We live in Lee Apartments, which is right in the middle of South Phnom Penh, on one of the main roads. We feel we have the "best", i.e., easiest to live in, apartment in the mission and have REALLY enjoyed living here. We were preceded in this apartment by another couple and waited 6 weeks after we arrived to "take it over" when they left. Our place is about 27 ft x 27 ft in area (730 sq ft) and is nicely laid out. We have a very nice bedroom with bathroom, good shower / tub, hot water "on demand"; a second bedroom (study - computer room), living/dining room, second 1/2 bath off the living room, a laundry "nook", and very small kitchen. We have both purchased and inherited a lot of things. Included in our apartment is a washing machine and water cooler (mission owned); we purchased a gas stove/oven from another departing couple (apartment is furnished with a 2 burner counter top cooker); we have a rice cooker (timed), nice crock pot, full set of dishes / silverware; a file cabinet (we purchased), hand mixer, iron, ironing board, etc. Table / chairs / beds / LR furniture is furnished with the aptmt. If you were to move in here, we would "inherit" our stuff to you. No charge. Our pleasure.

One of the NICE things about our place is the low ceilings - I'm guessing about 7 ft 2-3 inches- which makes it MUCH easier (ecomonical) to cool. Additionally, we have 3 A/C units - living room, study room, and bedroom. Which makes it VERY comfortable. Many of the couples live in big houses with HUGE rooms, HIGH ceilings (12 ft), - that's our "view" of things. We are in a VERY secure building - high fenced, 24 hours guards on duty, FUN and HELPFUL desk girls and boy (carry stuff in for you, etc.) For example, drinking water here is bottled (don't drink from the tap). Our water is 80 cents for I think a 30 liter bottle. We use one/week approx. I buy them downstairs (we are on first floor up) and one of the guards will carry them up. We give them a dollar to do so (bad lower back). Also have a m'wave (mission owned). Included you will have "Desk" supplies and equipment - stapler, paper clips, rubber bands, and desk lamps, ETC! Also 2 "older" sets of bath towels and some GOOD dish towels; can opener, strainer, dish drainer, etc., etc. "Turn key" deal!

Expenses
Our place "rent" is 280/mo. We pay telephone, water,electrical, garbage. Our cooking gas is "by the bottle" . We have purchased only one which seems like it was $8. Out "average" monthly aparment, including all above has been about $460. Telephone and electrical are quite expensive. We use the internet a lot (11 children, etc) and you could probably save 20 – 30 dollars if you REALLY watched useage. Electrical is primarily A/C but we do like lights to read by and have 60watt bulbs in our bedroom. UNHEARD of by the locals. So living here, I suspect you could get it down to maybe $425 if you are careful.

Internet
I think we pay $10 monthly with (?) hours usage - we have never gone over and we e'mail a lot but do VERY little "online" stuff – primarily banking a couple of times each month.

Transportation
We have a wonderful driver named Som Raksmey. He is a legend by himself, truly one of the STRONG members in country, speaks GREAT English, is very dependable, and a most remarkable family man. We had the privilege of accompanying

Som and family to the Hong Kong Temple in May for sealings. Another life-changing experience. He and his wife are Pol-pot survivors (miracle stories) and SO much to be admired. His van is "old but payed for" on his part. We pay him $500 monthly with "all included" and on call basically around the clock. However, we try to honor his family time (Mon. PM and Sundays) as much as possible. We have been giving him $30 extra with LARGE increase in fuel costs of late. He didn't ask for it, but his "profit" with fixing flat tires, A/C units, etc. is REALLY marginal, even at $500. They have 5 children, adopted 2 orphans, etc.

Where you will Serve
The best service rendered I believe would be at the dental school, 4 or 5 days each week, in pedo and elsewhere. The "new guy" will need to start softly and listen a lot, gain confidences, help where needed, and could expand to various areas in the school. They are also REALLY interested in Implants and perio.

Teaching Experience
I have always enjoyed teaching (taught at the IDEP Creighton program, ISU, before coming over here) and started our own ortho seminar group. Again, made some REALLY good friends and it'll be hard to leave. Whatever the "new guy" likes and wants to do and can envision, I believe it would be received with gratitude. "Match the delivery to the skills".

New Projects
We are still looking for support for the new surgery wing. The German group is ready to go with the physical remodel. Our task would be equipment, as I told you before. Hoping to see an increase in LDSC available funding soon. Also we are looking at a Rotary project to get new beds into the BEST "charitable care" hospital in town. Met some REALLY good people at this facility.

Thanks for your interest in serving!

Elder & Sister Pedersen

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact anyone of the following:

• Elder & Sister Pedersen: dadsplace@online.com.kh
• Rick Meyers (760) 951-8980
• John Gerritsen (801) 943-1446
• Jerry Summerhays (801) 268-4436