It is always a great challenge for the patients with special needs to seek dental care in Hong Kong, or in fact throughout the world, not only because they may have special difficulties in taking care of their own teeth, but also it takes a lot more patience and compassion for the dentists and dental nurses to provide proper dental treatment for them.
In response, Hong Kong St John Ambulance Brigade Dental Command has been providing free dental service to the special needs patients and the underprivileged elderly for over 70 years. It is the only free dental service provided by St. John Ambulance throughout the world.
There were many cases where special needs patients and elderly refused to open up and smile even in taking pictures, fearing to show their teeth to others. Our free dental service put back a big smile on their adoring faces.
Free dental service is provided by around 80 Brigade volunteer Dental Surgeons, Dental Surgery Assistants and Members at our fully equipped dental surgery located at the St. John Headquarters as well as by the Outreach Team at the elderly homes. In addition, oral health service is also provided to the general public through campaigns and special events.
In March 2024, to celebrate ‘World Oral Health Day’, Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Brigade Dental Command, in collaboration with Hong Kong Dental Association, held the ‘CARE for Your Teeth Carnival’ to educate the public the importance of oral health. Prevention is always better than cure.
During the carnival, free oral health talks, oral examination, general body checkup, oral health education game booths, ambulance display and oral health gifts were provided to the general public. Over 5,000 people attended and all enjoyed to the full with much gain in oral health knowledge.
To organise such a big carnival certainly was a massive challenge of our volunteers but also a great learning experience. It reinforced our St. John values in humanity, treating our patients with compassion and respect despite their impairment. It also prompted us to provide our patients excellence service despite some of the very difficult cases. It is most rewarding when the patients and their relatives come back with a big smile and thank you.
The carnival also reminded us the importance of teamwork, working together effectively with other Commands of St. John Ambulance Brigade, Hong Kong Dental Association, schools and other helpers to enable a very successful event.
Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum.
For the Faith, in the service of Humanity.
