Where in the World is Dr. Langberg NOW?

In News Clips by Dr. Langberg Staff

Dr. Blaine Langberg, Ridgefield orthodontist, adventurer, and author, has added another extraordinary achievement to his list: reaching Mount Everest Base Camp. Known for straightening teeth by day and pursuing adventures in his downtime, Dr. Langberg has previously summited Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous U.S.) and Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa).

In October 2024, Dr. Langberg joined World Wide Trekking, a Utah-based adventure company, for their semi-annual trek to Everest Base Camp. Along the way, he discovered the highest dental clinic in the world, located at 11,284 feet in Namche Bazaar, within Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park.

The Namche Dental Clinic, founded in 1991 by American dentist Dr. Brian Hollander, addresses the dental health challenges faced by the Sherpa community. Tourism has introduced sugary foods to the region, leading to higher rates of dental decay in children. The clinic serves local residents, trekking porters, guides, and tourists, with some patients traveling up to four days to receive care. Since 1994, the clinic has also run school programs in the Khumbu Valley, teaching children the importance of dental hygiene and healthy diets.

In alignment with his belief in giving back, Dr. Langberg carried toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss halfway around the world to donate to the clinic’s school program, helping over 100 children. He also met with the clinic’s dentist, Dr. Sampada Bhattarai, and hygienist, Mingma Lhama Sherpa, who expressed gratitude for the supplies. During his visit, Dr. Langberg identified a critical need for a digital dental scanner to expedite dental appliance production and is now working to secure funds for its delivery.

Dr. Langberg’s trek was as much about the journey as the destination. The group navigated bustling Kathmandu streets, crossed suspension bridges, and marveled at the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. “The Sherpa guides were incredible, and their kindness and energy made this experience unforgettable,” he shared.After nine days, the group reached Everest Base Camp at 17,500 feet, where Dr. Langberg described the view as “spectacular.”

Now back in Ridgefield, Dr. Langberg continues his 21-year mission of creating healthy smiles. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “Exploring other parts of the world and learning about different cultures puts our lives into perspective. As much as I love my adventures, returning to Ridgefield always fills me with gratitude for this community and the life we have here.”

The original article can be found here on the HamletHub website.