Following on from the hugely successful health initiative, which saw 246 patients tested and treated by the Suubi medical team and Team:MED over the past 9 days, today we saw the attention turn to dental health. Two very successful dental workshops were held; one for children and one for adults. Over 60 children and more than 50 adults turned up to hear about the importance of dental hygiene and to be shown demonstrations of the best brushing techniques.
Monash medical students from Team:MED had Suubi Clinician, Kayiira Robert, on hand to translate for the children who turned up.
With toothbrushes, toothpaste and cups provided by the team, the children were keen to learn the best brushing techniques.
The children were happy to be able to take their brushes, toothpaste and cups home with them so they can continue to brush their teeth at home.
Adult community members were also happy to participate and hear about the importance of encouraging their whole family to practice good dental hygiene.
Another exciting part of the day included the unveiling of dental equipment that was donated and brought from Australia by the Team:MED crew. An amalgamator, steriliser and mobile dental drill was sourced by 2013 Team:MED volunteer, Saada Malouf, who's father just happens to be a dentist. Via his dental colleagues and through Rotary he was able to obtain three important pieces of equipment that will help to kick start dental services at Suubi Clinic. Although this is a wonderful start, we are still looking for assistance to purchase a dental chair and compressor (which will help run the equipment) in Uganda, as they are obviously too big to send in volunteers back packs! If you know of anyone who may be able to help with this we would love to hear from you; either email Helen Brown in Australia or Ssemwogerere David in Uganda.
Dental equipment, which was brought from Australia, was much appreciated by the community. Everyone is even keener after the workshops to see dental services up and running at Suubi Clinic.
Those who attended the workshops showed their appreciation to Team:MED for bringing some of the much needed dental equipment.
By working side by side, the Suubi staff and Team:MED did a wonderful job to conduct 10 days of successful health and dental services to communities surrounding Suubi.
With dental workshops complete, and Team:MED ready to move on the following day, a party was held to say thank you to everyone for the great work.
A huge thank you goes to Team:MED and all their supporters for donations which made the health and dental initiative possible. Also many thanks to the wonderful Suubi staff who did a brilliant job of organising, co-ordinating and conducting all the sessions at Suubi, Kiwangala and Kysonko. It really is quite amazing what can be achieved when two teams, from opposite sides of the world, work side by side to help make a positive difference. It truly does provide hope, just as the Suubi name indicates! Webale emirimu buli omu!
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