Caring Hearts Dentistry Society (CHDS) have just completed a very successful dental mission in two provinces of the Philippines from February 15 to 27, 2016. It ran for two weeks giving free dental service to the people of Casiguran, Sorsogon and Panglao, Bohol. The dental activity in Panglao is a follow up of the successful dental mission conducted at Panglao Island on January 2014 and February 2015. Among the services rendered to the two communities were oral examination, tooth restoration, extraction, dental prophylaxis and scaling. The team treated schoolchildren and adults which aim to promote oral health awareness and enhance oral hygiene in Casiguran and Panglao. Acupuncture, hypnosis treatment and Tai Chi sessions were likewise provided by Dr. Danilo Salcedo to patients and team members to alleviate mental strain, body pains and discomfort.
CHDS have set up the clinic in Casiguran Gymnasium and in Panglao Cultural Center near the respective Municipal Halls. Patients waited in long queue for treatments every day despite of heavy rains as it periodically rained heavily in Casiguran. Many got their front teeth fixed that made a difference in their lives. Toothbrushes, dental floss and bottles of mouth rinse were given away to each patient to improve dental health. Antibiotics and other medicines were also made available to appropriate beneficiaries. Caring Hearts Dentistry Society always ended the day in high spirits knowing that the two communities benefitted immensely from the free dental service provided. In general, the atmosphere was so inspiring and welcoming to see the change the dental mission made in each patient’s life.
A feeding program was also arranged by Caring Hearts Dentistry Society for two hundred school children.
The dental team from Canada have worked hand in hand with staff members and volunteers of each provincial LGUs (local government units). Working together was a satisfying experience and a pleasant one. With a dynamic Canadian team and wonderful local partners, the dental missions have accomplished 4,389 procedures with 1,441 prophylaxis, 1,966 extraction and 989 restorative treatments. A total of 2.3 million pesos or C$ 70,000 in dental fees was made based on Philippine standard.
Additionally, the local officials of Casiguran, Sorsogon and Panglao Island conveyed their outmost gratitude and appreciation to the dental service rendered in each place.
The self-funded and noble project is a yearly dental mission event of Caring Hearts Dentistry Society composed of dentists, hygienists, professionals and volunteers from British Columbia, Canada, USA and Australia in cooperation with Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise and Rotary World Help to increase access to quality oral healthcare around the Philippines.
The CHDS 2016 Rotary Dental Mission to the Philippines was chaired by Elena Agala with Dr. Danilo Salcedo as President, Dr. Gloria Samosa (Vice President), Dr. Francisca Valdes, Dr. Marietta Quiambao, Pacifico Alegro, Nerissa Salcedo (Secretary), Francisco Valdes (Treasurer), Lorna Simms, Dr. Kim Ide, Mao Ide, 2Lt Jovencio Salonoy, Kimberly Sales, Howard Humffray, Leni Humffray, Kyle Gomes, Darryl Samosa, Nancy Bantug and Minerva Tolentino.
By Ghee Salcedo
