Mangawhai Dental free day brings smiles

 

JULIA WADE

Some locals were all smiles recently after being eligible to receive free dental care with one of Mangawhai’s resident tooth specialists, who donated nearly $12,000 of time and treatment to those in need.

Over three days in late September, Mangawhai Dental opened their doors to 33 people who were unable to access dental care due to cost barriers, performing a variety of work including ten extractions, 27 fillings, 28 examinations and x-rays, and eight periodontal treatments, with a total cost of $11,896.00.

All patients also received a free toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and floss. Arranged through NZ Dental Association’s (NZDA) ‘Smile free days’, Mangwhai Dental registered for two days as well as an additional day for Te Whai Community Trust to fill with eligible people. Mangawhai Dental owner and dentist Ellen Clark says some patients had not been to the dentist for many years.

“We had multiple patients who were not able to smile due to their front teeth being broken or decayed,” she says. “One patient had not been for over 20 years and another young woman in her 20s needed four extractions.” Feedback from patients was naturally positive with many expressing their gratitude and appreciation of the ‘fantastic’ quality care and service they received from the team. One person admitted that a ‘nightmare’ appointment as a child had stopped them seeing a dentist for two decades, with the ‘great service’ from the dental team being vastly different experience.

Four clinicians including Clark and five support crew donated their time to the cause.

“Like to acknowledge Southern Cross and NZDA for their support as well as Te Whai who assisted us with bookings and helped people get to their appointments,” Clark says. “It was great to be able to help these people who would have been otherwise unable to access care.”

Community clinics for relieving toothache are also available on most Fridays at Mangawhai Dental. Managed by Northland District Health Board, the clinic is available for Northlanders who hold a community services card and can access care with a $40 co-payment. Please call 0800myteeth to book in.

Giving away smiles for free, the Mangawhai Dental team, from left, Deidre Lennox, Ellen Clark, Carmen Phillips-Cato, Nicky Hale, Thais Meirelles and Jennifer Law. Absent, clinicians Jakob Abrie and Carmen Phillips-Cato, and crew, Jess Kushnirenko and Gabrille Lucas-Martins. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Clinician Ellen Clark and Thais Meirelles at work helping to give an appreciative client a new grin. PHOTO/SUPPLIED