What is DENTAID?

Dentaid is a registered dental charity, which was set up in 1996. Many of the least developed countries in the world have little or no dental health provision. People suffering from toothache may end up going to see the local blacksmith and have the tooth broken off with a pair of pliers. This is without anaesthetic and there is no sterilisation. In many of these countries H.I.V. may be as high as 40% and this kind of treatment can further the spread of H.I.V and other infectious diseases.

Dentaid fully refurbishes donated dental equipment and sends out dental surgeries to clinics in the developing world. By providing good quality equipment, properly qualified dentists can set up surgeries, which can then serve the community.

Requests for help are pouring in from all over the world. We send out 2-3 surgeries a month and so far have supplied equipment to over 26 countries. Each surgery costs approximately £2300 to fully refurbish, package and ship overseas.

We are also beginning to get involved in oral health prevention programmes in a scheme in Mongolia: schools projects encouraging children to look after their teeth.

It is exciting work and makes a real difference to relieve pain and suffering safely.

If you would like some further information on Dentaid please visit our website www.dentaid.org or let me know and I will happily send you some. Please email me your postal address at jenny@dentaid.org.