The ongoing 8th edition of the Smile4Ghana dental outreach in Cape Coast has received major support from Entrance University of Health Sciences, a subsidiary of the Tobinco Group, which donated cash and medicines worth more than GH¢40,000 to support free treatment for patients.
Registrar of Entrance University, Samuel Apeawin, praised the work of Smile4Ghana and said the university was proud to support the initiative.
He said the donation included medicines, cash support and media coverage assistance. He added that Ghana needs more dental professionals to close the gap in oral healthcare delivery and commended the Smile4Ghana team.
The outreach, led by UK-based Ghanaian dental surgeon Dr Dennis Brown, is providing free dental care and health screening to residents, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Speaking at the event, Dr Brown said Smile4Ghana was started about 10 years ago by three Ghanaian dentists living in the United Kingdom who wanted to give back to communities in Ghana.
He explained that the group has now organised 15 outreaches across the country.
Dr Brown noted that many people suffer from gum disease and tooth decay, especially in Cape Coast.He warned that gum disease is linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
He also expressed concern about the shortage of dentists in Ghana. According to him, only about 400 dentists are actively practising in a country of more than 35 million people.
The outreach continues in Cape Coast with free dental treatment, education and career guidance activities.
SOURCES: Ebenezer Madugu, Yaw Preko
