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Of all the pains known, that of toothache is undoubtedly one of the most distressing, whether it be of the sharp eye-watering variety generated by a nerve spasm, the continuous nagging of a chronic condition, or the searing agony of a tooth abscess.
In the developed world the solution is quick and simple, if unpleasant, and often expensive. A trip to the dentist, the pain is gone and all is solved.
But in developing countries dental care has a low priority, leading to untold suffering, especially in children. Primitive methods of treatment are employed in areas where dentists are rare or unknown, with extractions carried out using such implements as bicycle spokes, leading to torture and, in many cases, death from infection and mutilation.
In 2001 District 105D established an imaginative partnership with Dentaid, a small charity based in the District, whose aim is the alleviation of pain and suffering. In the early days, the equipment sent was on a rather ad-hoc basis enthusiastically scrubbed, cleaned and tested by a small number of retired volunteers. The current operation is vastly different. A highly effective and specialised team thoroughly test and refurbish every item of equipment before it is professionally crated and shipped to any part of the developing world.
The charity is currently experiencing a rapid growth phase. There are three full-time engineering staff supported by a small but highly effective administration base. We are building a team of skilled individuals who will both strengthen the existing operation and develop new preventative, training and education programmes in the coming years.
With partner projects in over 40 countries worldwide, and an estimated 600,000 people a year being treated on Dentaid equipment, we are now the largest specialist dental charity working in the developing world.
By sending dental equipment, we aim to improve the services that existing dentists can provide.
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