As we near the end of another financial year we are happy to report the milestones we have achieved so far and our goals moving forward.

Filling the Gap has continued to provide pro bono dental services to some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. Working in collaboration with the Australian Dental Health Foundation (ADHF) to facilitate their programs in NSW and the ACT, we are able to harness the goodwill of our profession and make a real difference to people’s lives by giving back to those who need it the most.

In a snapshot of achievements for the 2023 financial year to date, Filling the Gap has held 34 volunteer clinics at ADA NSW in St Leonards. Combining these clinics with the generous private practice activity by our volunteers participating in the ADHF Adopt a Patient and Dental Rescue days programs, we have been able to provide 1147 patient appointments for people in desperate need of dental care.

One of the biggest issues is the growing demand for dentures to restore self-confidence and enable patients to smile, speak and eat a nutritious diet. During this year we have been able to provide 94 dentures. The change we see in patients’ confidence and happiness, before and after receiving their dentures is unbelievable. These moments are heart-warming for all involved.

During the year we have been working with a research team at The University of Sydney, mapping and detailing the various pro bono oral health services throughout NSW. This project will help us to understand where the gaps are and work towards addressing them. Another important benefit of this study is to identify other organisations who are providing care, so that we can work together more cooperatively, avoiding duplication of efforts and provide the maximum assistance for patients with the limited resources we all share.

The greatest resource is our volunteers, we cannot carry out any of the work that we do without you! Please consider supporting us today.

There are three easy ways to help us Give the Gift of a Smile:

1. Volunteer to attend one of our monthly clinics at ADA NSW in St Leonards or provide pro bono treatment in your own clinic
2. Set up a regularly monthly donation or make a one-off fully tax deductible donation today
3. Support your dental assistant to volunteer at our clinics – we are always happy to welcome new volunteers.

 

If you need more information about Filling the Gap – please call or email us today!