The Filling the Gap dental charity provides pro bono dental treatment in NSW and the ACT for those who cannot access mainstream dental care.
Its aim is to improve the health and quality of life of vulnerable people with poor oral health through the provision of pro bono dental treatment, education programs and advocacy.
Working with a number of registered charities, the programs prioritise those most in need, including asylum seekers, refugees and disadvantaged people who are unable to access mainstream dental services. This would not happen without the support of many volunteer dentists involved in the program.
In the past two years, Filling the Gap has facilitated more than 2000 appointments at the ADA NSW clinic in St Leonards and within volunteer private dental practices. It is estimated the total value of these appointments is over one million dollars.
Chair of Filling the Gap, Dr Jodie Olivier, said the dental clinics offer many opportunities to help others which in turn can have a profound impact on their lives.
“Most dentists I know have an innate desire to help people. Through volunteering with Filling the Gap we have the opportunity to do just that – the simple, yet enormous act of helping people,” Dr Olivier said.
“For the vulnerable groups that are referred to us, pro bono dentistry through the Filling the Gap and ADA Dental Health Foundation programs we facilitate are a lifeline to dental care.
“My work colleagues and I have firsthand experience of patients’ appreciation of the basic dental services that we often take for granted – relief of pain, fixing a broken tooth or the provision of dentures. I look forward to volunteering again for Filling the Gap…and again and again and again.”
Volunteer or donate today
Dental practitioners are encouraged to assist in providing pro bono dental services to disadvantaged people in our community through Filling the Gap and ADA Dental Health Foundation programs.
The programs are currently experiencing a long waiting list of referred patients. In particular, Filling the Gap are looking for volunteers willing to help by treating vulnerable people in your clinic, especially during the first six months of this year to June.
“Take the leap, and volunteer your practice to provide pro bono dental care to those in need. Our team can find the program that suits you. Each patient treated is one step closer to filling the gap,” said Dr Olivier.
Click https://bit.ly/3vyzYwd to download the Volunteer Welcome Pack. Here you will find all the information you need, detailing the options for volunteering your time and expertise. Contact the team today at smile@fillingthegap.org.au to express your interest.
Filling the Gap also accepts donations which are invaluable in helping us provide much needed dental aid to disadvantaged people suffering pain and dental disease. To make a donation, visit www.fillingthegap.org.au/donate
LISTEN NOW:
Filling the Gap podcast
To learn more about Filling the Gap, listen to the latest episode of The Dental Practitioner podcast which gives a look inside the dental charity.
During this episode, we learn more about Filling the Gap and how dentists can volunteer their time and make a difference in the lives of others.
To listen to the podcast, visit:
