Volunteer dentists helping those in need

Australian dentists dedicate almost half a million hours to volunteer their services each year, according to ADA’s President, Dr Rick Olive.

Acknowledging International Volunteer Day, Dr Olive said that this contribution is part of the more than 700 million hours of unpaid work each year provided by all volunteers in Australia.

Ranging from volunteer projects across Australia to overseas, the dental profession, whether through organisations such as the ADA Foundation, National Dental Foundation, or on their own initiative, provide their expertise, labour, time and resources for those in need.

Pictured are some dental volunteers from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association, recently treating a person at North Richmond Community Health. Through North Richmond Community Health and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, treatment was provided to asylum seekers and others who would have had difficulty accessing dental care otherwise.