Sagbayan, Boholโ A two-day dental mission organized by Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol brought smiles to 510 students from Sagbayan Central Elementary School. Held on August 16 and 17, 2024 at the Sagbayan Covered Court, the event aimed to address the pressing dental needs of the community.
Despite the inclement weather, a team of 8 Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) dentists and 1 volunteer dentist from Manila, 2 TIMA Bohol Dentists, Tzu Chi Bohol staff, Tzu Chi Bohol community volunteers, Tzu Chi volunteers from Manila and Cebu, and Tzu Chi Youth visiting from Taiwan and local Bohol youths all came together for this event to provide essential dental care such as oral prophylaxis (298 cleaning) and extractions (212) to primary school students aged 6 to 14, further offering complimentary medications to those who had their teeth remove and dental hygiene kits to all patients.
While the students patiently and anxiously waited for their turn, Tzu Chi Youth from Bohol and visiting Tzu Chi youths and volunteers from Taiwan collaborated to keep them engaged, entertained and educated on oral health. Through fun activities and lively interaction, the children learned the do’s and don’ts of oral hygiene, leaving not only with laughter and cheers but also with valuable knowledge. The joy on the children’s faces was undeniable, their spirits lifted, and their courage boosted as they prepared for their turn to sit on the dental chairs.
Several young students arrived the mission site with nervousness and fear, but entrusting their oral care to the professional hands and convincing expertise of the dentists, the children went home relieved of their suffering from toothaches and decaying teeth.
Ten-year-old Jessie (not his real name), a Grade 5 student from Poblaciรณn Sagbayan, bravely underwent a tooth extraction. He let out a big smile after having his bad tooth removed expressing his appreciation and satisfaction that he gave his full trust to his dentist.
Dr. Raymund Lim, a seasoned TIMA dentist residing in Bohol, emphasized the team’s motivation to give back to the community. He highlighted the challenges of working with pediatric patients and the rewarding experience of transforming fear into smiles. โWe adapt to the child’s attitude to handle, pacify, and cheer them up. This approach helps us make the treatment process easier and more comfortable for them.”, Dr. Lim said.
It was an experience that she will not forget as it was her first time to handle a non-verbal and hearing-impaired young girl, Dr. Erika Mae Lim admitted feeling a bit hesitant knowing that children could be a little bit emotional and resistant compared to adults. She explained the tooth extraction process to the girl with the help of a sign language translator, “I was carefully considering how to communicate with her to ensure everything will go smoothly. But in the end, seeing the girlโs joy and contentment, and how at ease she was after the extraction, brought me immense happiness. I can say, it was indeed one for the books.”, Dr. Lim reflected.
Another special needs education (SNED) student, 14-year-old Diane (not her real name) communicates through sign language to express her experience of having her tooth remove. With the help of her teacher to translate through hand signals, Diane gestured with her hands, “I didn’t feel any fear or pain during the extraction because the dentist and volunteers were so skilled that I barely noticed the process.” Her face lit up with a bright smile and happy eyes as she signed a โthank youโ to Tzu Chi.
A dental mission would not be successful without the help of volunteers and youths working tirelessly behind the scene. For first timers, Tzu Chi youth visiting from Taiwan Tang Zhi Yan ๏ผๅ่ทๅฆ๏ผand Tzu Chi Bohol youth Joel Parojino weighed on the exhaustion felt after a long day but for them, the experience of helping hundreds of children was rewarding and made volunteering worthwhile. โThis is my first time seeing all these dental instruments. I was unfamiliar with them at first. So, I asked the dentist the names and usage of the instruments. After using them a few times, I’m getting used to them and able to prepare and hand the dentist the instruments they needโ, said Zhi Yan. “I felt a deep, indescribable joy. The sense of fulfillment from serving others was immeasurable. I will definitely volunteer for future missions,” Joel added.
Ms. Vivian Samputon, Principal of Sagbayan Central Elementary School, expressed her heartfelt appreciation and gratitude on behalf of the children for the dental services the children received. She stated, ” Thank you so much to the Tzu Chi Foundation for this incredible privilege. I believe this is just the beginning, and may God bless you all.”
As the 2-day dental mission ended, the smiles of the children reflected the true success of the event. Not only had the foundation provided essential dental care, but they had also sown seeds of dental health and happiness that would continue to grow in the childrenโs lives. This mission was more than just a response to a need. In the words of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, “The greatest gift we can give others is a heart of sincerity and love.” This message embodies the essence of Tzu Chiโs mission, reminding us that every act of kindness leaves an indelible mark on those who benefit from it, one beautiful smile at a time
