Give someone a reason to smile

Following graduation from the University of Otago with a degree in Dental Surgery, I spent two years working in Nelson Hospital providing much needed dental care to the local community. This year I would like to take my dental skills and help those abroad.

My colleague Alisha and I have chosen to align ourselves with the Rise Above Foundation in Cebu, Philippines. Alisha has been practicing in private for 4 years, the first two years being in Whakatane and now she’s based in Auckland. Alisha and a few of her friends volunteered last year through Rise Above and had a thoroughly rewarding experience.

The Rise Above Foundation has held two to three dental missions a years since July 2002 with dental health professionals from all over the world. Over the years, more than 35,000 people have received free treatment.

The people of the Philippines consume more sugar per capita than any other country in the world. This combined with a lack of education have resulted in an alarming situation with oral health. In the most affected areas, 100% of primary school children in public schools have 4 to 5 rotten teeth.

It only takes $8 NZ to ensure that 1 child/adult receives the dental treatment that they need but cannot otherwise afford.

We will both be taking time off work for this and will be funding our own flights and accomodation. We are planning to volunteer over a two week period in August and aim to help over 240 patients in this time.