‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ Brings Free Dental Care to Chonburi Community

The “GULF Sparks Smiles” project, a collaborative initiative between Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF) and the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, in its fifth year, third unit, is bringing essential free dental services to the community of Chonburi Province at Ban Surasak School. The offsite dental unit provided a range of free treatments including tooth fillings, extractions, scaling, fluoride coating, and oral health advice. The event garnered significant interest and positive feedback from local residents and nearby communities, who benefited from the accessible care.

The initiative is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people in remote areas by extending crucial dental services to those who often face barriers to access. This is particularly vital given the recent resurgence of COVID-19, which has made many hesitant to seek traditional dental treatment. The offsite dental unit plays a critical role in promoting overall well-being within the community by addressing these challenges head-on.

Dr. Normjit Wittayaphum, a volunteer dentist and Chulalongkorn University alumnus residing in Chonburi, shared her experience, “Today, working at the tooth extraction station, I’ve encountered numerous patients with infected teeth, largely due to a lack of awareness about oral care. This project has allowed me to apply my expertise to alleviate pain and restore smiles. It’s more than just providing information; it’s a tangible solution, bringing the dental profession directly to those in need. I’m truly grateful to be part of an initiative that is transforming the health and lives of communities lacking access to these services.”

Mrs. Pattamaporn Srikampol, Principal of Ban Surasak School, expressed her appreciation for hosting the event, “Our community is quite distant from a government hospital, so this project significantly reduces the financial burden for our residents, especially those struggling to access dental care. It also provides children with the opportunity to receive proper dental attention, which is a wonderful starting point for them to understand the importance of oral hygiene and will have a lasting positive impact on their health.”

Ms. Papatsorn Niyomsuk, a student at Ban Surasak School, shared her delight with a bright smile: “I’m so happy to get my teeth checked for free. The doctors and staff from GULF were incredibly kind, and they made me feel completely unafraid of going to the dentist. Thank you for this amazing project!”

The ‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ project remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering bright smiles and promoting good oral health across Thailand. For the latest updates and information, please visit: GULF Facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/GulfSPARK.TH/