THE rate of tooth decay in Vanuatu is four times that in Australia, yet there are no more than four dentists for a population that sits at a quarter of a million.
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Armed with a refurbished shipping container and thousands of pieces of equipment originally headed for landfill Dr David Goldsmith is hoping to create change.
The Ballarat dentist and Ballarat West Rotarian is passionate about healthcare, and says dental care is often overlooked.
“People (in Vanuatu) cannot afford dental care,” Dr Goldsmith said. “Dentures can cost up to half of their life savings.”
Dr Goldsmith and his team identified a need for a dental prosthetic laboratory in Port Vila. The clinic will provide free denture and optical services to Ni Van people. Dr Goldsmith imported the shipping container from China and fitted it out with windows, benches and electrical and water supplies.
The project took between six and nine months.
He built it in Australia because supplies were readily available, making project delivery more efficient.
“I have been speaking to people who work with dentists over there and … and the dental practice and rotary have collected a lot of items, so we are also recycling dental instruments,” Dr Goldsmith said.
He believes the project has enormous potential and that other clinics, including potentially surgeries, could be developed in shipping containers.
“It has got potential for the future of medical and dental clinics,” Dr Goldsmith said.
“This offers new options.”
The clinic will be cemented down to make it cyclone-proof and suitable for the island’s often unpredictable weather – but it can be easily moved, meaning the clinic could be moved to temporary locations in need of dental hospitals.
Dr Goldsmith said the many materials had been saved from landfill after the old Ballarat Base Hospital dental clinic was closed and replaced by the new Sebastopol centre.
Enough materials were salvaged to stock four complete surgeries. A team of trained dentists and dental technicians will travel with Dr Goldsmith to Vanuatu to ensure the clinic runs smoothly. Another focus of the trip will be to teach residents about dental hygiene and care. “Dental hygiene is part of good health. People with good teeth (tend to be generally healthier) and live longer,” Dr Goldsmith said.