Location: Bansbari, Nepal
Global Partner: The Rukmini Foundation
Local Partner: Tribhuvan Adarsha Awasya Secondary School
Project year 2025
In April 2025, the Rukmini Foundation had the privilege of partnering with Dr. Dilshad Sumar, a pediatric dentist and global health volunteer, for a special dental health initiative near Kathmandu, Nepal. Over the course of three days (April 24–26), students at Bal Sudhar Basic School in Bansbari received professional dental screenings and preventive treatments that will help protect their oral health long-term.
Bal Sudhar, one of Rukmini’s 17 partner schools, was selected for this pilot due to its accessibility and manageable size—72 students from Grades 1 through 8. With the help of Executive Director Usha Adhikari, Program Officer Deepa, and the dedicated Rukmini staff, the event was organized smoothly and efficiently.
Dr. Sumar conducted dental screenings for all students present, treated early-stage cavities using Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), and applied fluoride varnish to protect healthy teeth. The team also held a session on oral hygiene, teaching the children how to brush and floss properly—simple skills with a lifelong impact.
This collaboration is a model for community-led, health-focused partnerships. Connecting global expertise with local leadership, it created a sustainable impact on children’s oral health and education. There is potential for expanding this initiative to other related schools, and for training the local staff to conduct regular screenings and oral hygiene education. Dr. Sumar has provided similar services in Cambodia, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
