Dentists take a bite out their time for Romanian children

Published on Wednesday 22 April 2009 09:46

A TEAM of Edinburgh dentists are to give up a week of their time to help children in remote parts of Romania.

Kelda Richardson, Stephen Harrison, Diane Swanson and Clare McNeill from Slateford Dental Care will support the Young Smiles for Romania charity by providing dental care to children who have no access to dental treatment.

The group will leave Edinburgh on June 6 and will travel through Transylvanian mountains to reach children in some of Romania's most isolated villages. They also aim to visit local schools to educate children on oral health and hygiene, and will provide them with toothbrushes and toothpaste.

The project operates in the village of Suciu-de-Jos in the north western, mountainous region and also provides care for children in neighbouring villages.

Kelda said: "Many of us take dental care for granted and as something that is part of our every day routine, but in parts of Romania, people have little or no access to basic oral healthcare.

"We hope that our skills can help educate children in the communities we visit. Our aim is to make a lasting difference to their lives."