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Filling the Gap Strengthens Links With Partner Organisations

Posted on August 8th, 2019

ADA NSW’s Filling the Gap program is continuing to strengthen links with some of its partner organisations with financial support for their vital work.

Filling the Gap is ADA NSW’s umbrella organisation for all its benevolent programs. A registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission, Filling the Gap provides pro bono dental services to those who cannot access mainstream programs.

Filling the Gap has established links with a range of partners, including the Australian Dental Health Foundation, Australian Red Cross, the Centre for Oral Health Strategy at NSW Health, the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

As part of its work, Filling the Gap recently donated $8000 to the Doctors Health Advisory Service (DHAS).

A confidential telephone helpline advice service for dental practitioners and dental students in the NSW and ACT, the service assists callers with stress, mental illness, drug and alcohol problems and personal and financial difficulties.

“DHAS aims to provide a service where dentists can feel safe discussing any issues affecting them, either personally or professionally,” Sarah Foster, a social worker based with the service, said.

“We are a not-for-profit service whose entire aim is to provide support, education and advocacy. The money provided by Filling the Gap enables DHAS to continue this support to dentists and dental students and we are delighted to be able to offer this important service.”

More information on the scheme is available here. You can listen to more on the program via ADA NSW’s podcast service here.

Filling the Gap also donated $5000 to the recent Bright Smiles charity bike ride. The ride covered more than 1000km over four days and raised money for the Royal Flying Doctors Service, which provides vital dental care for patients in rural and regional parts of Australia.

Filling the Gap also donated $2000 to Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s (CPA) dental clinic on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

The clinic has specialised equipment to treat patients with physical and other difficulties. It is manned by a team of about 30 dedicated volunteers including dentists and hygienists and enables CPA clients to access dental care.

“These projects play a hugely vital role in terms of allowing philanthropic dentists the chance to provide treatment to people who need it,” ADA NSW President Dr Neil Peppitt said.

“Filling the Gap exists because of the generosity of ADA NSW member dentists who volunteer their time to treat vulnerable patients. It will allow us to offer more volunteer opportunities for members, undertake fundraising activities and run oral health and advocacy campaigns.

“I would encourage anyone keen on volunteering to get involved and help this great initiative.”

For more information on Filling the Gap, including volunteering opportunities, click here.

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