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Dental Health
for Africa
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In Liberia, there is only one dentist to every 1.2 million people. A partnership between a Memphis, Tennessee dentist and a United Methodist hospital is bringing quality dental care to thousands. Ahmed Konteh has the story. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Memphis, Tennessee)(Sound of dental equipment)
Dr. Solomon Christian has been helping the people of Memphis take care of their teeth for over 22 years.
Dr. Christian to patient: “Do the circular motion.”
(Sound of children singing in Africa)
But it’s his work, a half a world away on the continent of Africa, where he’s making an impact, with the simple gift of toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Dr. Solomon Christian: “People have not seen toothbrushes. Toothpaste also.”
There is a dire need for dentists.
Dr. Solomon Christian: “Liberia and Sierra Leone have 3 dentists in the whole country.”
Villagers travel great distances to see Dr. Christian.
Dr. Solomon Christian, Project Coordinator, Dental Care for the World: “One way ten miles and one way ten miles going back. 20 miles just to have one tooth taken out.”
At this Liberian schoolhouse, the subject of the day is oral hygiene.
Volunteer: “I will teach you guys today how to brush your teeth.”
Liberia’s United Methodist Bishop John Innis says the program will be critical to his country’s health.
Bishop John Innis, Liberia Episcopal Area: “A lot of people have never ever seen a dentist, especially in the rural areas, even in the city.”
The Rev. Ed White, Project Coordinator, Dental Care for the World: “We’re at the very initial stage of Dental Care for the World’s operation in Africa.”
Dr. Christian and his partner, Ed White, worked with the Liberian government to implement a dental nurse practitioner program. Steve Caldwell is a DNP student who works at the United Methodist Hospital in Ganta, where dental classes will begin in the year 2010.
(Dr. Christian talking to patient)
After two years of intense training, graduates will be licensed to treat thousands of patients every year. The DNP program plans to expand beyond Liberia to more countries in Africa.
Bishop John Innis: “My vision for the health of this nation is so that everyone will experience that redemption of wellness in this country.”
Volunteer: “We brush our teeth before going to bed. If you don’t do it, you know what will happen? Your teeth will get brown.”
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The program teaches basic dental procedures like preventive dentistry, fillings, and simple extractions.
For more information about the Dental Care for the World program, you can contact Dr. Solomon Christian at 901-566-1414 or the Rev. Ed White at 901-412-1849.
Posted: July
29, 2009