If you have been considering volunteering your dentistry skills to help patients in need, two new ADA NSW recruits can help you achieve your goals.

Wendy Chin and Juliana Osorio Garcia have joined ADA NSW as Filling the Gap (FTG) and Australian Dental Health Foundation (ADHF) NSW/ACT Program Coordinator and Dental Clinic and Patient Co-ordinator respectively.

The duo will help further drive the efforts of the program, which works with partner charities and volunteer dental staff to provide vital pro bono dental treatment to vulnerable patients.

Wendy, who brings a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit management sector, said FTG was a great example of how voluntary dental work can help change patients’ lives.

“I’ve learned over the years that volunteers want to know their hard-earned time is being used wisely,” Wendy, a former NSW State Coordinator for the ADHF from 2016-18, said. “I think FTG as a program can demonstrate that.

“Whether it’s about helping patients smile again so they don’t feel embarrassed about a job interview, helping restore their confidence or just showing them that someone cares, our programs help in many ways.

“The fact that a dental practitioner can do all of those things with their skills is an amazing thing.”

Filling the Gap hosts monthly clinics at ADA NSW’s St Leonards offices, which sees volunteer dentists provide a range of treatments to patients referred by partner charities.

Since its launch in 2019, the generosity and hard work of volunteer dental practitioners, donors and administrative staff has helped the charity provide more than $1.5m of pro bono treatment.

As well as helping transform peoples’ lives, Wendy said volunteering is also a great way for dental practitioners to further improve their clinical skills.

“Volunteering for a clinic is a way for dentists to do what they are passionate about, but without the pressures of the ‘business’ side of things,” she said.

“There’s no worries about budgets or clinical stresses and strains.   It’s chance for dentists to do what they love, while making a difference to someone’s life.”

Fellow recruit Juliana’s role involves liaising with the various partner charities and organisations and coordinating the clinics held at ADA NSW.

Having worked as a dental assistant for about five years prior to joining Filling the Gap, Juliana said her role has cemented her enjoyment of working in oral health.

“What I love about dentistry is knowing the difference you are making to people’s lives through helping improve their teeth,” she said. “It is terrific knowing you are helping relieve patients’ pain.

“It’s also interesting meeting new dental professionals and learning about dental procedures, like what is involved with a root canal, for example.

“Overall, it is very rewarding being able to help patients smile again, enjoy their food and be happier. I love it.”

Wendy also agreed the benefits of assisting Filling the Gap are clear.

“What’s great about Filling the Gap is that there is a tangible reward and it’s so flexible,” she said.  “There’s so many ways to get involved.

“I’d say try it for a day or, if you don’t want to commit for a day, come and visit us at a clinic and see how it runs. We’d love to have you come with other members of your team – it can be a great team building activity. Call us for a chat, tell a friend – or just simply think about it.”

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:

Working with more than 30 charity partners and administering pro bono dental programs for the Australian Dental Health Foundation in NSW and the ACT, FTG facilitates dental treatment for disadvantaged people who are in genuine need and are unable to access mainstream services.

Clinics are held monthly at ADA NSW’s St Leonards offices, with dental treatment supported by industry partners, charity supporters and generous donors.

Clinics are planned to take place every month in 2023. For more information about volunteering opportunities, call 8436 9946 or email [email protected]

For more information on Filling the Gap, including getting involved or donating, visit www.fillingthegap.org.au