From Climbing · Maya Silver · · 2m
Free Dental Care for Sherpas on Everest
Kazakh dentist opens first Everest dental clinic for mountain workers this spring.
In brief
Kazakh dentist opens first Everest dental clinic for mountain workers this spring. Dr. Aijan Jumabayeva is setting up a free dental clinic at Everest Basecamp to serve 1,000 Sherpas and high-altitude workers this spring. Originally reported by Climbing.
First-Ever Everest Dental Clinic
Dr. Aijan Jumabayeva plans to establish the first dental clinic at Everest Basecamp this spring.
Dedicated to Anatoli Boukreev
The clinic honors her country’s fallen mountaineering hero, Anatoli Boukreev, who died in an avalanche with a climbing partner.
Everest Dental Expedition
Dr. Jumabayeva, a 29-year-old dentist licensed in Kazakhstan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, leads the project.
Why Dental Care Matters on Everest
High-altitude climbers face barodontalgia, a tooth pain condition caused by rapid altitude changes.
Barodontalgia: A Real Problem
A 2018 study found barodontalgia is more common than dental traumas from hazards like rockfall.
Everest Basecamp Dental Access
The nearest dental clinic is 21 miles away via trek, requiring helicopter evacuation for emergencies.
Seven Summit Treks Partnership
Seven Summit Treks, a partner in helicopter transport and logistics, supports the clinic with infrastructure and permits.
Simone Moro’s Involvement
Italian mountaineer Simone Moro helped secure Seven Summit Treks as a partner after his Manaslu expedition.
Dedicated to Boukreev
Moro cited the project’s dedication to Anatoli Boukreev, his former climbing partner who died in an avalanche.
1,000 Patients Target
Dr. Jumabayeva aims to serve 1,000 patients, mostly Sherpas and high-altitude workers, this spring.
Free Dental Services
The clinic provides free dental emergencies, including barodontalgia treatment, fillings, and root canals.
Logistics and Volunteers
Jumabayeva will staff the clinic with 15 dentists and dental assistants rotating every two to three weeks.
Dental Practice in Three Countries
Dr. Jumabayeva operates dental practices in Kazakhstan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Funding and Costs
Jumabayeva expects to spend $500,000 on the expedition, including dental units and volunteer costs.
Local Dental Clinics
The nearest dental clinic to Everest is Namche Dental Clinic, 11,300 feet high, two days trek from basecamp.
Next Steps
After Everest, Dr. Jumabayeva plans to set up a clinic at Manaslu Basecamp this fall.
The bottom line
Dr. Aijan Jumabayeva is setting up a free dental clinic at Everest Basecamp to serve 1,000 Sherpas and high-altitude workers this spring.
