One thousand schoolchildren in Zimbabwe have brighter smiles thanks to a two-week dental outreach program at The United Methodist Church’s Mutambara Mission Hospital.
The project — a collaboration between the church’s dental clinic and a Swedish team with Dentists Without Borders — provided free services, including oral health education, screenings, fillings and extractions of broken and decayed teeth.
The group also distributed 1,000 toothbrushes and toothpaste to five schools in the Chimanimani District, said Sara Elmqvist, a dental hygienist from Sweden.
“Brushing teeth twice every day with toothpaste is a very easy and a very effective way in preventing dental problems,” she said.
Elmqvist said buying a toothbrush and toothpaste is not cheap in Zimbabwe, especially with the economic hardships facing rural people in the country.
The Rev. Alan Masimba Gurupira, administrative assistant to Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, said the office of the bishop hails the work of Doctors Without Borders.
“Their contribution and support enhances the church’s health ministries. However, our challenge becomes the sustenance of this wonderful program,” he said.
Dr. Advance Chingwena, project coordinator and head dentist for United Methodist Dental Services, said Swedish dentists and hygienists visit twice a year (in February and July) to set up shop at Mutambara or Old Mutare Mission hospitals.
“The program (supports) the primary objective of The United Methodist Church dental clinic of taking dental care services to remote and disadvantaged communities (with) limited access to dental care,” Chingwena said.
Last month’s visit was the second trip for Swedish dentist Dr. Kjell Gustafsson.
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