Making a di≠erence T HE D E N T ISTS H E L PIN G TO RE B U IL D SMI LE S The Rebuilding Smiles program supports those who have experienced domestic and family violence, referred by domestic violence support agencies. The Australian Dental Health Foundation coordinates volunteer dentists to provide pro bono dental treatment for these patients – and they’re always looking for more dentists to make a difference.
Dr Aron Lazaridis is only two years out of Dental School, but already determined to make a difference by giving back through the Australian Dental Health Foundation’s Rebuilding Smiles Program. It was looking into how to help a pro bono case that Aron and the team at Coolamon Dental in Ellenbrook came across the Rebuilding Smiles program. “We made dentures for the patient but due to her jaw not really lending itself to dentures, the only real option we had was implants,” Aron says. “I spoke to the principal dentist here and Serena, our practice manager, about what we could do for this patient, and Serena found the Rebuilding Smiles program and informed me about it. We got the approval and through the program we managed to help the patient.” The practice has now taken on a second Rebuilding Smiles patient. “We have done a treatment plan and I have done all her extractions,” Aron says. “My colleague Gen (Dr Genevieve Day) is going to be doing all of the restorative dentistry and then the patient will come back to me for implants.” Aron says so far, he has found taking part in the Rebuilding Smiles program very rewarding. “It is giving these patients exactly what they need and what they can’t afford,” he says. “The look on their faces when you are guaranteeing them the best treatment and the best outcomes for things that they have been self-conscious about, such as trying to get a job, and eating and speaking, is really satisfying.” And although the two patients are still undergoing treatment, Aron says he is already seeing the
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difference the treatment is making for the patients involved. “One of the patients is getting more employment,” he says. “It is not the best thing to think about people not being able to get employment because of their teeth, but the fact it has allowed her to be more confident and get a full-time job is really powerful. She always shakes my hand when she comes to the practice and says thank you for making a difference. “The other patient has only been to the practice twice so far. When we did the consult, the patient’s carer came in as well and we all discussed it together. Having her carer there as well made it easier to explain things and for the patient to reciprocate. It felt like a really warm space for them to be in.” Aron says the communication has sometimes been challenging to ensure everyone is on the same wavelength, which is why having a carer attend has been so helpful. For one of the patients, due to juggling work, kids and not having a stable living situation, it has sometimes been difficult to arrange for her to routinely come in for appointments. However, he says their practice has been accommodating and both patients have been very obliging. Aron says volunteering in the program has been a satisfying experience. “I go home, and I tell my family about what I am doing and who we are doing it for, and they are really proud. To see their reaction is lifting.
