By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with Dental Coop, a medical and dental organization from Spain, embarked on a vital mission to deliver essential dental care to residents of Susan’s Bay and Culvert communities. This initiative not only addresses immediate dental needs but also empowers residents with knowledge about oral hygiene and preventive care.
The campaign, which began on the 15th of August 2024 and concluded on the 21st of August, featured four dental surgeons from Spain, including two men and two women. Held at the Susan’s Bay Community Centre, the initiative benefited over 400 patients, including men, women and children. Notably, over 200 patients underwent multiple tooth extractions.
Ishmael Alfred Charles, the Acting Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, discussed the significance of the dental care initiative in Sierra Leone, stressing the importance of dental health education. He highlighted the community’s general neglect of dental care and the necessity for educational campaigns to improve hygiene practices such as proper brushing techniques. He explained that the initiative primarily involved tooth extractions due to the prevalent occurrence of toothaches and the lack of resources for more complex procedures like fillings.
The Acting Executive Director emphasized that while extractions provide immediate relief, the long-term goal is to impart dental care knowledge to the community members. He said by educating people on maintaining dental hygiene, the initiative aims to create a lasting impact that will benefit future generations. Ishmael Alfred Charles stressed that this educational aspect is particularly significant as it empowers individuals to protect their own and their families’ dental health.
Speaking with one of the dental surgeons from Spain, Cristian Gracia, he underscored the altruistic nature of their Association, highlighting their commitment to providing services without expecting anything in return. Gracia expressed pride in this approach, emphasizing the value of selfless giving, particularly in underserved communities like Susan’s Bay.
Gracia also reflected on the challenges they face as dental professionals, noting that their work often takes place under difficult conditions. Despite these challenges, their dedication to their profession remains strong. He acknowledged that the working environment at Susan’s Bay is far from ideal but stressed the importance of maintaining high professional standards.
Cristian Gracia noted that many people, especially children, suffer from inadequate nutrition due to poor dietary habits, including the frequent consumption of chewing gum and soft drinks, which contribute to dental problems. He advised people to consume more vitamin-rich foods and to eliminate habits that will lead to dental issues.
One of the beneficiaries, Fatmata Kanu shared her experience, mentioning that just two weeks ago, she had to pay a significant sum of NLe 550 to have a tooth removed at a hospital, which is a considerable burden for someone of her financial means. She expressed her gratitude to Caritas and Dental Coop for providing the opportunity to have her teeth removed for free. She appreciated not only the dental care but also the advice provided by the professionals to prevent future problems.
With NLe 250 being the average minimum cost for a single tooth extraction in Freetown, Caritas Freetown and Dental Coop from Spain have made a significant contribution by offering these services for free, a gesture that has been highly appreciated by the communities that benefited from this initiative.
