Dental Care Access for Flower Workers and Families

At Floranation, a flower farm in Latacunga, Ecuador, 146 workers identified a critical gap in their overall wellbeing. High costs and long travel times meant many employees and their families had never visited a dentist. Recognizing this urgent need, the local Fair Trade Committee took decisive action. They invested $54,400 USD of Community Development Funds in 2025 to cover all the administrative expenses of the on-site medical and dental center, including doctors’ payrolls and any medical supplies. Originally designed for the workforce, the initiative quickly expanded to include extended family members. Because all services are provided free of charge, families can now access vital care without financial stress. This allows them to use their income for other essential household needs. Doctors Francisco Tinajero and Ana María Larrea explain the clinical impact of this facility: "We provide comprehensive dental care that includes preventive services such as cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments, as well as curative care like fillings, root canals, extractions, and occlusal adjustments. These treatments allow us to address immediate needs while also preventing more serious conditions over time." In 2025 alone, the clinic completed 1,146 dental visits. This incredible milestone reached over seven times the number of originally covered workers, with women making up 62 percent of those that recieved treatment. Blanca Carrera, a packing house employee for 11 years, perfectly captures the life-changing nature of the program: "The dental project is a great help, as medical appointments are very expensive and getting a slot can take a long time. With this project, we can access care ranging from a basic cleaning to more comprehensive checkups, both for ourselves and for our families."