The Family Care Free/Subsidized Healthcare Centre situated in Ikota, Lagos had its medical debut with a five-day free dental programme during the last week of July in 2006. One dental surgeon, Dr. Soji Ijidale, and four dentists and dental nurses came from Ibadan, Oyo state to volunteer for the project. Ikota community had never experienced anything quite like this. The free dental treatment included: minor dental surgeries, extractions, dental fillings, and to everyone's delight, the manufacture and fitting of free dentures as well. Quite a few Ikota residents now display a new set of teeth to enhance their grateful smiles!
The clinic was full as each corner hosted a different dental procedure. First the patients received a screening and consultation and then moved on to the treatment room, or waited for their personally moulded new dentures. We gave dental hygiene lectures and leaflets to all the patients and they received toothbrushes and toothpaste to start them on the road to dental hygiene. We also gave a dental hygiene class to about 110 children from the local primary school and we are happy to report that they are all now proficient in the proper use of a toothbrush.
This will be the first of many free dental programmes, as aside from being a fulltime medical clinic, we will have free surgery, ophthalmic, optometric, and dental projects running frequently. The local community show their gratitude in many ways and we know that the dental care, attention, and prayers have gone a long way in showing them a physical touch of God's love.
Statistics:
- Total Patients: 140
- Extractions: 84
- Dentures: 17
- Teeth replaced: 66
- Minor surgeries: 5
- Other procedures: 71
In addition, during a one week period when volunteers and hospital staff opened for registration, 792 patients were registered and given ID cards at the clinic.