Concerned by a high absentee rate and poor performance of elementary school pupils in a marginal area, the Cartago branch of ACMU and the dentistry faculty of a San Jose university have joined forces to set up a temporary community dental clinic in the "Carlos Monge Alfaro" school in Ochomogo, Cartago.

Since the project began in 2002, more than 400 children have been checked in a successful operation by a team of 11 doctors and nurses.  The majority of patients checked received free dental treatment and instruction in oral hygiene and dental care. 

Teachers have reported a noticeable improvement in the performance of the children in school and increased attendance levels.

In 2006 the project was expanded to include first and second grade students, thus ensuring that pupils of all ages are included in the dental health project.  In 2007, the project will be extended to cover the entire school from kindergarten upwards, and be expanded to include the mothers of the pupils.