Transforming Smiles: Volunteer Dental Professionals Make a Difference in Port Moresby

Volunteer dental professionals recently completed six weeks of the School Dental Program at three schools in Port Moresby in collaboration with the National Capital District (NCD) Commission, NCD Provincial Health Authority, and NCD Department of Education. During this time, nearly 1,400 dental procedures were provided, and 642 students received oral health assessments.

One of these students, Dylan*, in grade nine, had significant decay of his front teeth. Dylan waited patiently for his turn, and his treatment took quite some time due to the extent of his decay.

When the work was finished, the dental assistant handed Dylan a mirror to see the difference in his teeth. Dylan was clearly shocked as he looked in the mirror, and a huge smile began to form on his face. He thanked the resident oral health therapist and dental assistant profusely, saying, “Thank you! I know that God is going to bless you for the work you are doing. I am so grateful! This is amazing!” The clinic leader told Dylan that the team was at his school for this exact purpose – to make young people like him smile again.

After Dylan’s treatment, he received further education on how to care for his teeth. The clinic leader asked if he would consider changing some of his habits, such as brushing his teeth twice a day and reducing his intake of sugary foods. Dylan responded, “Yes! I have learned my lesson today!” A few days later, Dylan returned to the dental trailer with a heartfelt thank you letter, expressing his gratitude for the care he received and for giving him his smile back.

YWAM Medical Ships extends sincere gratitude to its supporters, whose contributions have made the YWAM MS School Dental Program possible. Supporters include Kumul Minerals, National Capital District Commission (NCDC), NCD Provincial Health Authority, NCD Education Services Department of Education, Henry Schein, Colgate-Palmolive, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Ela Motors, Mills Dental, Ok Tedi, Air Niugini, AEDERS Dental Equipment Maintenance, and EmoTrans.