IN-THE-BUSH:
OUTBACK DENTISTRY FOR LAYPERSONS
We invite motivated individuals to become Community Dental Health Assistants (CHDAs).
Our dental care system for the developing world is extremely simple. It holds great promise for global replication—due to Povidone Iodine's (PI) and Baking Soda's wonderful features.
1. PI is proven to control tooth decay with monthly applications.
2. PI provides relief of mild to moderate pain when combined with fluoride varnish.
3. PI is globally available in virtually all pharmacies.
4. PI and baking soda are extremely inexpensive in the tiny quantities required.
5. PI works well in wet mouths; which saves time and money on isolation procedures.
6. PI is extremely simple to apply making it quick and easy to train CDHAs.
7. PI needs no costly medical gloves since hands do not touch the lips or mouth.
8. PI application fosters infection control safety due to points 5, 6, and 7 above.
9. PI monthly community "Save-Your-Teeth" gatherings are a powerful motivational strategy.
10. PI, for all these reasons, holds great promise for global replication—our ultimate goal!
Sensitive Cavities are cleaned and treated with PI and sealed in Fluoride Varnish—repeated every 4 to 7 days until all sensitivity resolves.
Healthy teeth and gums depend on: monthly PI treatments, daily baking soda (saliva) rinsing and swishing, am/pm brushing, and prevention efforts. These activities are best taught and reinforced at monthly community "Save-Your-Teeth" gatherings promoted by community elders. Everyone learns and are treated together which establishes greater confidence and acceptance.
Happier Smiles: Once active decay heals due to having received the above care, CDHA's learn to safely and painlessly remove dark, unsightly decay from visible front teeth for happier smiles.
Mouth Resting with Water Only Prevention: CDHAs are taught to instruct village leaders and motivated adults to educate their communities in MRWOP. Teach everyone to refrain from eating anything for 60-90 minutes after all meals or snacks and to drink only clean water when thirsty. Especially to not allow children to consume sugary foods, drinks, and cracker type processed foods—especially sodas which are highly acidic (the worst of all). Learn More.
Accountability: CDHAs should be accountable to a “local” health official to whom they refer those with serious medical issues and to whom we ship fluoride varnish through national dental suppliers.
For more information: Email Gerry@dentalcareforall.org / Call+19562801708 (WhatsApp)