Dental health complications represent a common challenge among Thais, which, if left neglected, can have
the potential to escalate into severe diseases that impact both physiological wellbeing and everyday
functionality. Currently, despite the advancement in medical technology, access to dental health care
remains difficult for the impoverished, rural, and remote populations.
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) in association with the Faculty of
Dentistry Chulalongkorn University (Dent Chula),
proceeds with the launch of an offsite dental unit ‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ for the third instance this
year. This occurrence aims to augment the reach of assistance to more secluded areas, which is in line
with the overall project’s objective to foster equitable and sustainable access to public health.
Natthavoot Koottathape, Associate Dean, Physical Resources, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn
University, conveyed, “Dent Chula and GULF have been consistently collaborating on this
campaign. As
part of the teledentistry initiative, we have incorporated digital-twin technology for the first
time by using a 3D intra-oral scanner to create a precise 3D replica of a patient’s complete
dentures. The goal of this teledentistry project is to leverage technology in tackling oral health
issues among those residing in remote locations or bedridden patients who are incapable of traveling
to dental clinics. This aligns with both Dent Chula and GULF’s missions to increase access to
high-quality treatment, thereby improving the quality of life for the disadvantaged members of the
community.”
Suwanna Somthawin, a volunteer dentist from Saraburi Provincial Public Health Office, stated,
“Saraburi Provincial Public Health Office has been approached by Dent Chula, in collaboration with
GULF, regarding this offsite dental unit. This provision offers free dental services in Saraburi,
with the capability to serve a considerable portion of community. Throughout the course of this
project, volunteer dentists converged from both Bangkok, and the local network within Saraburi
Province. This collaborative effort was orchestrated in response to the prevailing shortage of
dental professionals in the public sector, a deficit which has resulted in extended patient wait
times. Consequently, our appreciation extends to Dent Chula and GULF for organizing this campaign,
which sought to alleviate the burden on local dentists and increase the community’s access to dental
care.”
Chayut Kongkapetch, a newly graduated volunteer dentist, expressed, “This marks the first time I
have
joined a dental unit operating in the upcountry. This participation offers me an opportunity to
experience working with a more diverse demographic. Beyond facilitating in the care of
underprivileged patients, this event allowed me to gain hands-on experience and practice on-the-job
training. This involved observing professors performing dental procedures, simultaneously offering
instructional guidance to recent dental school graduates such as myself.”
The “GULF Sparks Smiles” dental unit provides free essential dental services, including fillings, tooth
extractions, scaling, fluoride coating, and x-rays, as well as more complex procedures, such as wisdom
tooth extractions. The recent unit stationed in Kaeng Khoi community has the capacity to serve over 700
cases during its two-day operation. In addition, GULF staff volunteered to assist with patient
registration, blood pressure measurement, and overseeing on-site procedures to ensure operational
efficiency. The next and this year’s final round of ‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ is set to conclude at the
Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, on 20-21 October 2023. For the latest updates
and information, please visit GULF Spark Facebook Fanpage at
facebook.com/GulfSPARK.TH
