JCI Surigao Nickel in partnership with the Provincial Health Office – Province of Surigao del Norte held a Dental and Oral Health Mission in celebration of Dental Health Month in the Municipality of Sta. Monica, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte last February 21, 2022.
Prior to Super Typhoon Odette devastating the communities of Siargao Island, access to health care was already a problem. This was exacerbated by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette (Rai). Health care, particularly Dental Care was relegated to the back seat, as home repairs, properties, and daily survival took priority for the residents of the community. JCI in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Health and Well-being – conducted a Dental Care mission for the community to bring in awareness and to deliver dental care to those in need.
The municipality last held a mission for Dental Care in 2011, making it 10 years since it had a team of dentists performing dental procedures in the community. The municipality also had no resident dentist in the last five (5) years. Lack of access to health care is a problem in the community. Though the municipality has a District Hospital in the vicinity, it was damaged by Super Typhoon Odette (Rai). It is only a Level 1 Hospital which can only cater limited cases and there is also the lack of medical personnel to be addressed.
JCI members assisted the dental professionals and their teams in the conduct of Tooth Extractions, Dental Education, Toothbrushing Drill, and Fluoride Varnish Application. JCI Surigao Nickel members were also able to help and assist stitch an open wound of a patient brought in because of stepping on a shard of glass. JCI Surigao Nickel distributed 31 Dental Hygiene Kits for the kids and was able to serve a total of 119 persons for the duration of the Dental Care Mission.
