IN-THE-BUSH:
OUTBACK DENTISTRY FOR LAYPERSONS
We invite motivated persons of all backgrounds to be Community Dental Health Assistants.
After many years refining our program, we have come to a point of unmatched simplicity that holds great promise for global replication—due to Povidone Iodine's (PI) and Baking Soda's features:
1. PI is Proven to control tooth decay with multiple applications.
2. PI provides relief of mild to moderate pain when combined with fluoride varnish.
3. PI is available in all pharmacies and many other outlets.
4. PI and baking soda are extremely inexpensive in the tiny quantities required.
5. PI is amazingly simple and quick to apply.
6. PI works well in a wet mouth environment.
7. PI needs no costly or difficult-to-find medical gloves since hands do not touch the lips or mouth.
8. PI application simplifies infection control safety.
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 diet modification. These activities are best taught and reinforced at monthly community "Save-Your-Teeth" gatherings promoted by community elders. ALL learn and are treated together—this establishes greater confidence and acceptance.
Opening cavities for "Self-Cleansing." CDHA's easily learn to painlessly widen deep cavities with a simple "opening tool" so saliva can reach deep cavities to halt their growth. It also removes dark unsightly decay from front teeth for happier smiles. Saliva's Role (MID pioneer Dr. G. Craig)
Diet Modification Motivation—Diet modification is crucial for maximum tooth decay prevention. In the least, mouth rinsing with water immediately after eating and drinking anything (except water) is essential. Great emphasis is made to avoid 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)