Dr Michelle Ever Juan links her renewed sense of community belonging to her volunteer role as a dentist with Filling the Gap. “Being part of a community who is willing to help others gives me a sense of belongingness,” says Dr Ever Juan. Volunteering at a Filling the Gap clinic, which offers treatment to patients who are facing barriers to receiving dental treatment, is something Dr Ever Juan continues to learn from, professionally and personally. During her rostered days off from the Bondi Junction surgery where she works Dr Ever Juan enjoys volunteering with Filling the Gap due to the social nature of the clinics and fellow volunteers.
“Filling The Gap gives me the chance to share my skills and experience with the community beyond what I perform at my own workplace. Filling the Gap is an outlet for being social at work which I believe needs to be nurtured further in our field,” she says. “I have learned the value of increased openness and communication through Filling the Gap and it has enriched my experience of helping people. Volunteering provides me with a chance to practice my skills and learn from the wonderful staff and patients that make the clinic possible,” she said. Dr Ever Juan began volunteering with Filling the Gap in February 2020 after she read an article published by ADA NSW. And her advice to other dental professionals who may be thinking about volunteering? “I would highly recommend sharing your time and skills through Filling The Gap, it provides a service that our society is always in need of: reaching out to the vulnerable and providing care that makes a difference. Who doesn’t want to be part of that?”
“I would highly recommend sharing your time and skills through Filling The Gap, it provides a service that our society is always in need of: reaching out to the vulnerable and providing care that makes a difference. Who doesn’t want to be part of that?”