A smile goes a long way and that’s certainly the case for a significant number of children in Cambodia.
Dental Health Services Victoria CEO, Dr Deborah Cole, said a recent donation of dental equipment to a village in Siem Reap in Cambodia had made a big difference to the community.
The donation was part of the Green Gecko Project which Rotary Peninsula supports.
“Seeing all the smiling faces and children brushing their teeth was absolutely amazing, uplifting and quite inspirational,” said Dr Cole.
Green Gecko Project Co-founder Tania Palmer thanked DHSV in a letter noting “because of the generosity we are now one step closer to achieving our dream of offering access to dental care to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.”
Rotary member Trudy Poole said the dental project in the town was progressing well.
“For the past 8 years we have engaged a local Khmer dentist, Dr Hor, to look after the 100+ Green Gecko children’s dental needs.
The Green Gecko Project’s philosophy is to create a sustainable community and having a reliable local young Khmer dentist that is available, especially when an emergency arises, is so important and is further enhancing the sustainability model.”
“The new hygiene room is now generously equipped by DHSV and it also serves as a place where the little ones practise what good oral health means.
“My husband and I are planning to go back to Gecko at the end of January to see how the project is progressing.”
For more information contact Suzana Talevski on 0407 961 413 or Suzana.Talevski@dhsv.org.au