Our Story

Helambu is a remote Himalayan region of northern Nepal, home to nearly 26,000 people. Until recently, not a single dentist or physician had ever practiced there.

That reality became impossible to ignore for Peter Schmieding, DMD, a practicing dentist who splits his time between the United States and Nepal. In 2022, Peter opened a small volunteer dental clinic in Helambu. What he witnessed—advanced tooth decay, untreated infections, severe gum disease, and preventable pain—confirmed what the community already knew: dental care was desperately needed.

A community survey revealed a staggering truth: 96% of people in Helambu had never seen a dentist. For many, tooth pain was simply accepted as part of life.

Rather than turn away, Peter committed to a long-term solution. What began as a volunteer clinic has grown into a bold vision: the Helambu Dental Hospital, a permanent, modern, and environmentally responsible facility dedicated to providing accessible dental care for generations to come.

“Seeing the level of disease and pain made it clear that short-term care wasn’t enough. Helambu deserves real, lasting healthcare and that’s what we’re building.”
— Peter Schmieding, DMD, Founder

Our Impact.

The Helambu Dental Hospital will be the first permanent healthcare facility of its kind in the region, delivering immediate and long-term benefits:

Direct Dental Care

  • Preventive services: cleanings, exams, oral hygiene education

  • Restorative care: fillings, extractions, infection treatment

  • Emergency pain relief and trauma care

Community Health

  • Reduced infections and preventable disease

  • Improved nutrition, school attendance, and work productivity

  • Oral health education for children and families

Sustainable Infrastructure

The hospital is being built using rammed earth construction, an ecologically responsible technique that:

  • Uses locally sourced soil

  • Creates 18-inch-thick, rebar-reinforced walls

  • Minimizes environmental impact while maximizing durability

Your donation makes a BIG difference.

Every dollar you donate goes directly to the dental care of a Helambu resident.