August 15, 2024
160 patients receive dental care in Tzu Chi Pampanga
By Dorothy Castro
On August 12, Tzu Chi volunteers and dentists opened a one-day free dental clinic to 160 patients. Twelve volunteer dentists treated patients with free dental check-ups, tooth extractions and dental fillings.
Dental patients coming from different districts in Pampanga traveled to take the opportunity to get their dental concerns addressed. This included the Aeta community of Sitio Target, Sapang Bato, who traveled for 2-3 hours for this dental mission.
Among patients who lived nearby was Zernilyn Mangalo, who had a tooth extraction. She also brought three of her children to get their teeth checked and extracted.
The dentists took special care in the tooth extraction of young patients. Hope Faith, Mangalo’s youngest daughter, was afraid of the extraction but bravely sat through the procedure.
To Mangalo, these procedures helped them with their long-time dental concerns. While they needed these extractions for some time, financial constraints prevented them from going to the dentist. “Faith Hope’s teacher would contact me often, saying that my daughter suffers from toothaches. But we could not afford it,” she said.
One thing that Mangalo emphasized is the gentleness of the extraction procedure. “The dentist’s hands are very light,” she said. Another patient, Jocelyn Garcia, agreed she felt comfortable throughout the extraction. She had two teeth extracted, as they were causing her pain.
Tzu Chi Youth (TCY) volunteers from Taiwan also joined the mission, assisting patients throughout the dental procedure. Oliver Kong, a TCY volunteer studying pharmacy, was stationed at the clinic. Here, he practiced his knowledge of prescription medicine and assisted in reading prescriptions and packing the medicine for patients.
“It’s a rare opportunity [for us] to learn,” Kong said. In the pharmacy area, he met patients of all ages and learned more than medical knowledge. “I saw a 7-year-old boy get a tooth extracted, and there was a lot of blood. But he said he was very okay,” Kong shared. He found this experience moving and vowed to face future challenges with more courage and confidence.
Apart from ensuring comfort in patient care, Tzu Chi also focused on providing knowledge on dental care to keep the patients from suffering the effects of poor oral hygiene. Dentists taught patients how to brush their teeth properly.
Volunteering for Tzu Chi’s dental mission for the first time, Dr. Gary Brillo was happy to see that Tzu Chi provided different dental services during this dental mission. “...Especially critical procedures like restorative dentistry, educating the patients. I think Filipinos need those initial treatment(s), dental education, and being able to deliver preventive dentistry," said Dr. Brillo.
Working at the Lung Center of the Philippines, Dr. Brillo saw the prevalence of oral diseases. “This is why we value dental outreach programs like these,” he explained.
Dr. Brillo’s observations on the prevalence of oral problems reflect the measures taken by the less fortunate to address their dental issues. Some use salt and toothpaste to ease pain, others simply endure it. Hence, these patients did not let the free dental care opportunity pass.
Dr. Brillo hopes to treat patients through these missions regularly. “More power to Tzu Chi so that we will be able to continue the programs, which is very important and critical for the Filipinos.”
Relieved after the tooth extraction, Garcia thanked Tzu Chi volunteers and volunteer dentists who dedicated their time to treat patients for free.
Additionally, Mangalo and her family were grateful for the kindness shown to them during the dental mission. “The work of the volunteers and dentists comes from the heart. From our whole family, thank you so much.”
Tzu Chi Pampanga opened its gates to 160 patients for dental care on August 12 at Angeles City, Pampanga.
Patients listen to an educational talk on dental care while waiting for their turn.
Tzu Chi Pampanga scholars assisted patients with the registration.
Patient Jocelyn Garcia gets her blood pressure checked before her tooth extraction.
Volunteer dentists’ tools for tooth extractions.
Jocelyn Garcia (left) gets a tooth extraction.
Dentists take care of patients by keeping them comfortable during extractions.
Volunteer dentist administers anesthesia before the tooth extraction.
Patient Zernilyn Mangalo notes how comfortable her tooth extraction was. “The doctor’s hands were so light, I could barely feel anything,” she shared.
A volunteer dentist (left) and Tzu Chi Youth Volunteer from Taiwan (right) work hand-in-hand for the tooth fillings.
Teamwork allows for a faster and more comfortable tooth filling procedure for patients.
Zernilyn Mangalo (left, in red) and James Posadas (first from right) happily pose for a photo with their children after their dental procedures.
Tzu Chi volunteers and Tzu Chi Youth volunteers happily welcome patients.
After their dental procedures, patients are given medicines.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (third from left) smiles while listening to the sharing portion of the thanksgiving party.
Tzu Chi Youth volunteers from Taiwan share a meaningful sign language performance.
Tzu Chi Pampanga scholars show a heartwarming sign language performance.
Attendees of the thanksgiving party happily join in “Pulling the Ox Cart”.
Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and members of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) all smile for a group photo.
Tzu Chi volunteers, volunteer dentists, and staff happily pose for a photo.