Social and community dentistry, there are several initiatives put in place to lend a hand to those who have difficulty accessing dental and oral care.
In the territory of the province of Frosinone there are two annual events, both held by the ANDI (National Association of Italian Dentists) of the President Dr. Gabriele Rea.
Dr. Rea, what are the projects to promote access to care for all citizens?
There are two events that we put in place: the most relevant is undoubtedly the Oral Cancer Day, an oral cancer prevention campaign. A potentially lethal neoplasm but, if diagnosed in time, can be treated conservatively without disabling posthumous outcomes. It takes place every last Sunday of May on the territory of the confectionery with garrisons in the squares, during which we offer citizens a free check on the state of oral cavity health.
The other event?
Held for 42 years, it is scheduled for November, ANDI prevention month, during which associates offer free check-ups, but also oral hygiene and molar seals to children at social prices. All with the aim of meeting especially those who, due to various difficulties, struggle to access dental care.
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Two years after the last time, the resumption of the “Bethlehem” social dentistry project is being prepared, which also involves the Asl of Frosinone through Dr. Mauro Giacomi, General Practitioner, ready to return to Palestine to assist the weakest.
Dr. Giacomi, is the project finally resuming?
We hope so, we are in the process of organizing after suspending it for two years due to Covid. In October, together with doctors from all over Italy, we will return to Palestine, hoping that in the meantime relations with Israel will become less unstable and the Middle East can be reached in complete safety.
Let’s get into the specifics of the program, what is it all about?
As every year, for about two weeks, we will go to assist the poor and all those who do not have the opportunity to pay for dental care. In particular, we will provide service to the Creche orphanage run by the Sisters of the Charity of San Vincenzo de Paoli, which on average houses 70 children from 0 to 6 years old to whom, thanks also to the support of local dental offices, with advanced equipment, we offer care and hygiene of the teeth, at an important stage such as that of development. However, we do not only deal with minors but, in general, the less affluent Palestinians in need of our intervention who are welcomed by the Creche, including many young mothers.
Where does the team of volunteers come from?
There are professionals who come from all over Italy. This is a really good team of doctors with volunteering in their blood. The mission, in fact, is entirely at our expense, we work free of charge paying all expenses.
Whatis it that drives you to carry out the “Bethlehem” project?
We find strength in a phrase from Sister Sophie: “For us what is important today is to love without ceasing. Our mission in Bethlehem is the love of a God who manifests himself in all his splendor. “
