New South Wales Students Complete Challenging Cambodian Dental Mission
A group of dental students from New South Wales has completed a challenging dental mission in Cambodia.
Students from the Charles Sturt University swapped their state of the art training facilities for basic makeshift surgeries run from schools and shelters to provide basic dental care for children in Cambodia.
Fourth year student Caitlin Crowley was shocked at the difference between conditions in Cambodia and Australia. Most patients had never seen a dentist before and the majority didn’t own a toothbrush. The students described some of the scenarios they faced as ‘horrific’, with many children experiencing severe dental pain due to extensive dental health issues.
The two week tour was organised by the university and overseen by experienced dentist Dr Graham McLennan, who has volunteered on similar projects in Vanuatu.
During the study programme, the students undertook a range of basic dental procedures and treated more than 450 people. They visited two schools and provided check-ups, extractions and fissure sealant treatment. They also treated several people living in a deprived village and employees of a fruit factory. Many of these patients had suffered land mine injuries.
Caitlin said the trip was difficult and distressing at times, but it gave the group an amazing experience and a chance to see how other people live. They were able to make comparisons between the world of dentistry they know and dental practice in other parts of the world.
Caitlin is now looking forward to focusing on her studies and hopes to do more voluntary work when she finishes and secures a stable position.
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