NHS Orkney makes dental donation

NHS Orkney is set to improve dental care overseas by donating equipment to international charity Dentaid. The donation follows members of the NHS Orkney dental team volunteering for the charity in Cambodia and Nepal.

Clinical Dental Director, Jay Wragg, said “The donation comprises used hand instruments including mirrors, probes, small drill bits and instruments for carrying out fillings. These items were, in fact, donated to NHS Orkney when the Public Dental Service was treating a much higher number of patients. It wasn't brought into service with the Public Dental Service, even when we were at our height. Now, due to the strength of the independent dental sector in Orkney, it seems right to be passing what we can to Dentaid.

We’ve been working closely with Dentaid over the past year and it seemed a great idea if we could work with them to ensure this equipment – which is still in good working order - is put to good use.”

Stuart Little, a former Senior Dental Officer, who has now retired from NHS Orkney, has maintained close links with the charity following his spell volunteering in Nepal.  He said “having worked with Dentaid supported projects in Belarus and Nepal I know just how grateful Dentaid and those dentists that eventually get these instruments will be. Many people in developing countries have little or no access to quality dental treatment and basic instruments such as these are exactly what are needed for pain and infection relief. Over the last 20 years Dentaid has worked in over 70 countries to end dental pain through treatment, training, education and equipment donations."

Northlink Ferries kindly agreed to transport the equipment to Aberdeen, free of charge. On arrival it will be collected by the Aberdeen Lion’s Club who will transfer it on to Dentaid at no extra cost.

Jay added “We are incredibly grateful to both Northlink Ferries and Aberdeen Lion’s Club for their support and generosity. It’s great to know that this equipment will continue to have a useful working life, providing dental care where it is most needed.”