Assignment on Dental Care

by Koroma Ibrahima

For as long as I can remember, dental health has been something I try to take seriously, though not always perfectly. From childhood my parents insisted that I brush twice a day, floss occasionally, and visit the dentist once a year. As a young adult I have fallen in and out of discipline, sometimes missing brushings after late nights or delaying check‑ups because of cost or busy schedules. So I would say my relationship with dental health is earnest, but imperfect: I believe in its value and try to act on it, though like many people, I am sometimes lax.

The value of dental care reaches far beyond having a bright smile. Poorly maintained teeth can lead to pain, infections, and loss of teeth, which in turn affect nutrition: pain can make it hard to chew well, so one may prefer softer, less‑nutritious foods. Chronic dental infections can spread (for example abscesses) or contribute to systemic inflammation and even more serious health issues. Bad teeth also affect speech, self‑esteem, social interaction, and sometimes school or work performance (if pain or shame causes distraction or avoidance). So dental health is deeply connected to overall well‑being, physical health, mental health, social confidence, and quality of life.

3. If I were to organize a dental intervention in a marginalized community, here is how I would plan:

● Target population / scale: Suppose I choose a rural community of children, say 80‑100 children aged 5‑15.

● Team needed: One volunteer licensed dentist; two volunteer trained health workers; a coordinator.

● Supplies I would bring:
 • Basic dental examination kits (mouth mirrors, probes)
 • Portable dental chairs / reclining benches or mats if chairs not possible
 • Toothbrushes (one per child, plus extras)
 • Fluoride toothpaste in sufficient quantity
 • Dental floss
 • Cups for rinsing, water supply or clean water containers
 • Mouthwash (if feasible)
 • Basic non‑surgical dental treatment supplies: materials for fillings, temporary fillings, extraction tools (if dentist certified to extract), analgesics, antiseptics, gloves, masks, sterile instruments, disposal items.
 • Education supplies: posters, flipcharts, demonstration models (teeth or jaws) so kids can see brushing technique.
 • Logistics: tables, tents or shade, waste bins, lighting if needed, sanitation facilities.
 • Transportation: for people and supplies to and from site.

● Program design: First a health education segment: teaching about how to brush properly, floss, diet effects (sugar, snacks), role of fluoride, etc. Then dental screening / exam for all children. Then treatment: cleaning, fillings or extractions if feasible, distributing dental kits so that after the intervention kids have tools to keep up hygiene. Also follow‑ups or periodic visits (if possible) to reinforce behaviour and monitor outcomes.

● Budget / time frame: Probably 1 full day clinic for screening + treatment; plus some preparation time: mobilizing community, sourcing supplies. Depending on location, transport cost etc.

4. Finally, yes — in my area (Pujehun/ Eastern Province), I believe there are places where children’s teeth are neglected. In poorer neighbourhoods or in rural outskirts, many children go without regular dental checkups; sugary snacks are common; awareness of flossing or fluoride is low; many children may have untreated cavities. Also, in areas where parents can’t afford dental care or transportation to dental clinics, neglect is more widespread.