Full Breakdown
Mobile Clinics Target Mongolia’s Childhood Dental Crisis
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: Dietary Changes and Access Gaps
Since the end of the Soviet-aligned communist era more than three decades ago, Mongolia’s diet has shifted from a traditional, meat-and-dairy-based fare to one that includes abundant sugary drinks and processed snacks. The rapid urbanisation of the 3.6 million-person nation has left many children—especially those in under-privileged “ger districts” of Ulaanbaatar and remote provinces—without basic oral-hygiene education from parents or schools. Pediatric dentist Namuunaa estimates that around nine out of ten children across Mongolia suffer from tooth decay, a situation compounded by limited dental services outside the capital.
Scale and Reach of the Misheel Kids Foundation
The non-governmental Misheel Kids Foundation (MKF), whose name means “smile” in Mongolian, was founded by Swiss dental hygienist Gabriella Schmidt-Corsitto after she observed the high prevalence of childhood oral-health problems. MKF operates a fleet of medically equipped mobile clinics that travel to ger districts, orphanages, and daycare centres. According to Schmidt-Corsitto, the NGO has treated more than 22,000 children since its inception. During “dental treks,” Namuunaa reports seeing 50 to 80 children in a single day, providing services ranging from routine check-ups and cleanings to root-canal treatments and extractions.
Official Statements & Funding Challenges
Namuunaa describes the work as “physically and mentally exhausting,” yet emphasizes the necessity of continuing the outreach. She notes that a majority of MKF’s funding in 2025 came from European foundations and private donors, supplemented by local contributions and support from the Mongolian government. Securing this financing, she says, is “constant hard work,” and she is seeking additional backing from Mongolian authorities to expand coverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was helpful that the dentists came today and actually showed us how to brush our teeth properly,” — Agimaa
- “In every shop you go, it doesn’t matter how far from Ulaanbaatar... you find lots of sugar,” — Gabriella Schmidt-Corsitto
These statements illustrate both the immediate impact on children receiving care and the broader concern over pervasive sugar consumption driving the dental crisis.