Smiles All Around: Free Dental Care Transforms Lives in Turks and Caicos!
In a remarkable display of compassion and community spirit, a dynamic partnership has transformed the lives of over 6,000 residents in the breathtaking Turks and Caicos Islands through a comprehensive health initiative, delivering essential dental services free of charge.
This month-long initiative not only brought extensive oral healthcare to various corners of Providenciales but also sparked a wave of awareness about the importance of dental hygiene.
Dental clinics sprang up at the Church of God of Prophecy in Five Cays, the Public Hospital, and a dedicated facility at the Beaches Resorts Key West Conference Room, where dedicated volunteers delivered an impressive array of services.
During this impactful program, volunteers provided 1,157 dental cleanings, 968 fillings, 724 tooth extractions, 75 X-rays, 260 dental sealants, 725 fluoride treatments, 30 root canals, and 82 follow-up consultations—an incredible feat of goodwill and skill!
Shantelle Senior-Clarke, the Project Manager of this initiative, reflected on the endeavor, stating it was “a lot of hard work but absolutely worth it.”
Volunteer Dr. Maria Tuason shared her heartfelt connection with the community, noting, “One of the most rewarding parts of my visits is interacting with the children. They may be frightened, but by explaining procedures, I help them feel at ease. This year, I had the privilege of restoring smiles and confidence to the wonderful people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The initiative went beyond mere treatments; it aimed to foster a culture of oral health education. Volunteers made their way to twelve schools across Providenciales, engaging students in hands-on learning and distributing essential oral healthcare packages.
Dawn Brivett-Ford, an Early Childhood teacher from BEST Institute, emphasized the lasting significance of these educational efforts. “By educating children early on, we can prevent common dental issues like gum disease and cavities. Learning about oral health through engaging volunteers helps children form a positive relationship with dental care.”
Orville Morgan, the Public Relations Manager, passionately highlighted their commitment to education, stating, “We were ready to visit two schools in one day if it meant sharing such vital information with the kids!”
He further stressed the broader implications of oral health, asserting, “Healthy mouths lead to healthy lives! Poor dental health can lead to serious issues like heart disease and diabetes. By empowering children with dental knowledge, we’re not just helping them today but setting them up for a healthier future.”
The success of this initiative was made possible by the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers, including 142 dental practitioners from the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, alongside the support of local health authorities.
James McAnally, Managing Director of Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and a proud Sandals Foundation Ambassador, reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to community service. “Our commitment to the residents of the Turks and Caicos runs deep, as many are part of our workforce.”
He added, “Understanding that families are in need of dental care they can’t afford drives us to strengthen our partnership with Great Shapes! Inc. Every year, our volunteers deliver top-notch dental care and tirelessly work to serve as many patients as possible.”
