Moldova is one of the poorest countries in eastern European bordering Romania and Ukraine with many people living in poverty. The dental charity Dentaid is offering retired dentists, dental nurses, therapists and hygienists the chance to join an oral health education  team to visit Moldova.

Dentaid is working with Moldovan dental professionals to offer oral health education and prevention programmes in special schools, nurseries, state schools and   centres for vulnerable people.  UK dental professionals are invited to join as volunteers for a week-long trip to Moldova May 13th- 20th 2017, they will be able to work with a charity in the capital Chisinau, and travel to the region of Nisporeeni.

This is how Dermot O’Brien Trip Leader describe the country  Nisporeeni is the poorest region in Moldova.  Dentaid sent a volunteering team to Moldova for the first time in 2015, and they did a great job delivering oral health education sessions,  and providing training for Moldovan dentists who were very receptive. The dentists are hampered by poor quality equipment and Dentaid is fundraising to provide a new surgery which would bring great benefit.  We are working with the chief dental officer for the region who is committed to bringing affordable dentistry to the people who really need it.

Of course our long term wish is that one day Moldova will have a dental service similar to ours, but in the meantime this is our opportunity to target the dental needs of the poorest people in EuropeDermot O’Brien,Trip Leader

Although volunteers only have permission to carry out limited dentistry, suitably qualified people will be able to undertake topical fluoride application and other preventative techniques.  But the main focus of the trip is prevention and how to improve oral health in Moldova by teaching children about looking after their teeth. Dentaid  will also run tooth brushing programmes at schools, the team will visit centers  for deaf and disabled children.

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The volunteers found it very rewarding last year.  â€œOf course our long term wish is that one day Moldova will have a dental service similar to ours, but in the meantime this is our opportunity to target the dental needs of the poorest people in Europe” Dermot O'Brian, Trip Leader.

Dental nurses, hygienists, retired dentists and therapists who would like to join Dentaid’s volunteering experience in Moldova May 2017, go to www.dentaid.org  for more information and follow the links to Volunteer and Moldova. Alternatively  email info@dentaid.org or call us on 01794 324 249.  All volunteers are welcome to  use the Share Buttons below to share  their experience with dental colleagues. Share  images and comments on Twitter, Facebook, g+,  post a blog, set up a forum or a group. We at Dentaid look forward to share your experience.