Filling the Gap Chair Dr Dominic Aouad shares some of the many accomplishments of the dental charity and discusses his vision for the future as we aim to make an even greater impact on the lives of those in need.

It has been an absolute honour to serve on the Board of Filling the Gap for the last three years, most recently as Chair. With the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers and generous supporters we have achieved significant milestones since our inception in 2018.

In this article, I will share some of our accomplishments and discuss our vision for the future as we aim to make an even greater impact to the lives of those in need. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our two General Managers since Filling the Gap’s inception: Kate Miranda and Dr Sarah Raphael.

Kate has since become the NSW State Director at the Australian Red Cross but has continued to serve as a volunteer as a Director on our Board. It also goes without saying that the success of Filling the Gap would not be possible without our strong partnership with the Australian Dental Health Foundation (ADHF) and the NSW Centre for Oral Health Strategy (COHS) who have just committed another two years of generous support for our program.

Over the years, Filling the Gap has made tremendous strides in improving access to dental care for disadvantaged individuals in NSW and the ACT. Since our launch, we have provided more than one million dollars’ worth of treatment provided by 105 dental practitioners to patients at our regular pro bono clinics held at our ADA NSW offices in St Leonards, as well as in the private clinics of our volunteers.

In 2022 alone, we have proudly offered over 1000 appointments to those who have struggled to access public or private dental care. These efforts have not only alleviated pain and discomfort for countless patients, but have also enhanced their overall quality of life.

As we reflect on our achievements, we are determined to take our charitable endeavours to new heights in 2023 and beyond. We have mapped out monthly clinics throughout the year, and we are earnestly seeking the support of dedicated volunteers to make this vision a reality. We call upon dentists and dental assistants to step forward and join us in our mission to bridge the gap in dental care for the most vulnerable members of our community.

As part of Filling the Gap, we have also commissioned and completed mapping projects to identify areas of unmet need. It is our goal to explore ways that we can support unmet dental care in our most disadvantaged communities, particularly those in rural and remote NSW.

Being part of Filling the Gap is not just about transforming patients’ lives; it is also an opportunity to give back to society and share your dental skills in a profoundly meaningful way. As a volunteer, you can meet like-minded colleagues, build professional connections, and most importantly, make a tangible difference to the lives of people in need.

There are two primary ways you can get involved with our cause. Firstly, you can participate in one of our clinics held at ADA NSW’s offices in St Leonards. Alternatively, we offer the option of having patients allocated to your dental surgery, allowing you to provide the appropriate pro bono treatment from your own practice. Whichever method you choose, we wholeheartedly welcome your support and commitment.

I’d also like to thank the Board Directors that have tirelessly served the mission and vision of Filling the Gap over the last year: Dr Jodie Olivier, Dr Kate Amos, Dr Mark Morrin, Dr Cathleen Dong, Kate Miranda, and Dr David Digges as well as our clinic coordinators Juliana and Karen as well as all the ADA NSW support team that make Filling the Gap a reality.

Filling the Gap is something ADA NSW members can truly feel proud of.

Make a life changing difference:

For those interested in becoming a part of this inspiring journey, visit the Filling the Gap website at www.fillingthegap.org.au or call (02) 8436 9900. Here, you can find more information on our work and how to get involved.