Our very first Dental Mission in the Philippines and what an experience it was! As the dentists set up the equipment and materials in the Suburban Health Centre, I was struck by the impressive array of metal extractors, syringes and dental equipment. Given that the Health Centre was not a Dental Clinic, I was taken in by how the dentists worked quickly and efficiently with the limited materials. Instead of a dental chair, they propped up two plastic chairs by the window (for optimal lighting) and the nurses took turns to steady the heads of the patients who had their tooth extracted.
As the children and youth waited for their turns, I quickly realized the condition of their teeth. Almost all who went in had a tooth extracted! They braved the pain of the injection of the local anesthesia and waited patiently for their turn. For the younger children, their parents comforted and persuaded them throughout the check-up. The Balikatan Ministry adults came in the afternoon and all were subjected to a blood pressure test. Unfortunately, some could not have any tooth extraction done due to extremely high blood pressure.
A salute to our two dentists who stood the whole day to serve all 56 patients and our nurses who deftly dispensed medication and took care of the sterilization needs!
For our children and adults with severe dental needs, we will arrange the necessary follow up treatment. Next year, we hope to hold another round of Dental Mission to target the remaining children in our ministry in Montalban!
We take this opportunity to thank our generous benefactor from Korea who sponsored the Dental Mission. Many thanks also to the team from St Vincent Medical and Dental Clinic for their generous service!
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| Setting up the room |
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| Dentists hard at work |
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| Our youth waiting patiently for their turn |
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| A tooth extraction |
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