Did you know that:
- Fluoride toothpaste is often classified as a cosmetic product meaning that taxes are applied increasing the price by 50% in some countries?
- In Cambodia, the average six year old has over eight decayed, missing or filled teeth compared to just one per child in the UK?
- Most dentists in developing countries have limited equipment to work with and so are normally only able to perform extractions?
Did you know that there is an organisation doing something to help?
Dentaid, one of the world's largest oral health charities, is working to change this by promoting and supporting the infrastructure for access to quality dental health in some of the world's poorest nations. Dentaid has helped establish almost 200 charitable dental treatment clinics in over 50 countries around the world and is striving to do more.
Dentaid helps these communities by providing resources to regional treatment centres and community outreach. Training is also provided to indigenous workers to ensure they are skilled enough to provide treatment and information to the population they are working with.
Another important aspect of Dentaid's work is lobbying governments and relevant organisations to ensure that they adopt oral health friendly policies reducing the risk of tooth decay, mouth disease and infant oral mutilation.
If you believe that everyone deserves the right to access oral health care from suitably trained professionals using sterile equipment, you can support Dentaid in its work. Regular donations via standing orders or payroll giving are just one way you can help. Practical things such as fundraising activities or the donation of instruments and equipment is always appreciated.
Dentaid is especially in need of:
- Instruments
- Curing lights
- Aspirators
- Delivery carts
- Single pot compressors
- Daray or Belmont lights
- Ultrasonic lights or scalars
- Kavoclaves
To find out more about Dentaid or to offer a donation of money or equipment, please visit the website www.dentaid.org
