FOOD FOR THE POOR & UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA PROVIDE LESS FORTUNATE JAMAICANS WITH FREE DENTAL SERVICES

Kingston, Jamaica – October 30, 2014

 

 Twelve sophomore students and three professors from the College of Dentistry at the University of Florida have volunteered and travelled to Jamaica to assist Food For The Poor with providing free dental services to less fortunate individuals living in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Elizabeth.

The volunteers from the University arrived on Saturday, October 25 and offered three days’ worth of free dental services between October 27 and 29, to over 200 children and adults in the communities of Whitfield in Kingston, Stony Hill in St. Andrew and Braes River in St. Elizabeth. These dental services included: oral hygiene education, cleaning for children and extractions for both children and adults.

Mr. David Mair, Executive Director of Food For The Poor Jamaica, stated that his organization was elated about the partnership with the students and professors, to assist Jamaicans in dire need of dental care.

“Food For The Poor is happy that members of the College of Dentistry at the University of Florida have travelled to Jamaica to help clean and extract teeth of Jamaicans, and also educate them about oral hygiene,” Mr. Mair said.

“Food For The Poor is not only about giving tangible items, but partnering with other organisations and offering quality services which many Jamaicans cannot afford, such as the services of a dentist,” Mr. Mair added.

The idea of bringing members of the College of Dentistry to Jamaica was that of Dr. Lindsey Chang, Professor in the department at the University, who is a Jamaican. She spearheaded the first trip of professors and college students in 2011.

“I was inspired to start this programme because of the need that exists here in Jamaica. Most of the persons who have benefitted have never been to the dentist because they cannot afford to see one. This is a privilege for many of them and that makes our trip very rewarding,” Dr. Chang said in an interview before stating that her students are always eager and excited about assisting Jamaicans on this annual mission trip.

Dr Abi Adewumi, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Paediatric Dentistry at University of Florida was one of the individuals who accompanied Dr Chang and the students. She said the initiative was not only beneficial to Jamaicans, but to herself and the students, because they got to assist needy individuals and experience Jamaica’s wonderful culture.

“It is always a rewarding experience for me to be here in Jamaica to encourage good oral health practices among the very poor. We have developed good relationships with the recipients over the years, and they look forward to seeing us. It is also a great experience for our students who volunteer their time and skills to improve the oral health of these persons. I am sure this is a positive experience for them and one that will always be remembered,” Dr Adewumi said.

Also benefitting from the visit were students from Braes River Basic School. Commenting on the school’s behalf, the principal, Mrs. Eddie Gayle said her institution was grateful for the free dental care services offered.

“This is a very vital programme for the community. Most parents cannot afford this kind of service for their children and themselves. Most cannot even afford to clean their teeth. I am extremely happy to know that the students have benefitted from it. I wish the team could come every year to our community, because this is very helpful, especially for the students. They are very pleasant, so you find that the children are not afraid to sit with them,” Mrs. Gayle said.