Nathan Adams
More than 20 years ago, Linda Moses, from Gugulethu, travelled the world as a theatre performer, but a car accident left him maimed - dashing much of his career hopes.
All that was left of his front teeth were tiny fragments. He lost his confidence and carried deep-seated sadness.
But things changed when the UWC Mobile Dental Clinic showed up in his neighbourhood.
“I feel like a free man again, I can smile with confidence. It feels like they took my pain away,” Moses said last week. He was referring to the dental students who assisted him. The students were doing their community service thanks, in large part, to a generous R4.01-million donation from Islamic Relief SA (IRSA).
It was a welcome return to the neighbourhood. The mobile clinic’s last outreach programme in Gugulethu was in 2016. The UWC Faculty of Dentistry has been supporting clinic staff with essential medical supplies, but the need for staff and students to assist with dental care has become more urgent.
Last year’s donation from IRSA enabled the team to expand its dental services to more areas, including Gugulethu. In addition, the types of dental treatment have also been expanded. The students initially only performed extractions in the clinics, but now services like fillings and cleanings are also being performed. The project aims to incorporate other services, such as surgical extractions and orthodontics at a later stage.
Moses, a 48-year-old father of six, said he would return to the clinic to get more information about dentures or implants. After his accident in 2001, doctors in the US - where he had performed - offered facial reconstructive surgery for free. But their services did not extend to his teeth.
“The [UWC] dentists were very nice and worked so quickly. It didn’t even hurt.”
Gugulethu Health Forum chairperson Nowhi Mdayi said: “We are happy as community representatives. The main issue is that services need to be rendered. We have been struggling all these years because people were queuing, and we have a shortage of doctors and dentists.”
She added they now need to ensure Gugulethu residents are aware of the dental services.
Dr Mark Paulse assisted as a clinical supervisor at the clinic and said it was encouraging to be well-received by residents.
Prof Faheema Kimmie-Dhansay of UWC’s Department of Community Oral Health coordinated the outreach from conception to execution.
“Everything is going really well, going according to plan. The students are enjoying the outreach setting, and we’re very grateful to Gugulethu Dental Clinic for giving us the opportunity and the space to do this project, and for giving us the support we need by booking patients for us and allowing students inside the clinic during their own clinical times.”
UWC Dental Services will be available at the Gugulethu Clinic on Mondays and Fridays.
Cape Times