SHDC Team | Kristel’s Volunteer Trip

At the beginning of the year Kristel, one of our Dental Hygienist’s embarked on a volunteer trip to Cambodia. Kristel’s skills in dental hygiene are priceless in these communities, while there she mainly performed extractions and fillings. It is dental care like this that not only improves the health of these communities but their quality of life too. Below Kristel shares her experience of volunteering in Cambodia.

“You have two hands. One to help yourself, the second to help others”

– Audrey Hepburn

Kristel: To be trained in a skill that can improve the health and lives of others, particularly children, was the motivation that compelled me to fulfil an enduring desire to leave a positive footprint in the world.

Cambodia World Family is a small non-government organisation, listed in the Australian Dental Association volunteer register.

Based in Phnom Pehn, the capital of Cambodia. CWF was established in 2005 as a permanent clinic which focuses on treating the dental needs of orphans, disadvantaged and handicapped children. Initially seeing only 500 patients a year, they now see over 12,000, with 100 volunteers a year from all over the world.

The dentists, therapists and assistants treat on average 50 patients a day between the hours of 8am-12pm. The primary objective is pain management- extractions and fillings are the most common form of treatment. A preventative approach is performed by means of sealants, cleans, oral hygiene instructions and dietary advice for both children and carers. By providing quality dental treatment with compassion and care, we relieve some distress and enhance the children’s health and quality of life.

A challenging professional experience. Yet, the most rewarding personal adventure I have embarked on. A heartfelt thank you to the Cambodia World Family for having me (you will see me again!). Along with my wonderful team at SHDC, not only for the generous donation of materials and goods towards this great cause, but also for your unrelenting support and encouragement.

SHDC are very proud of Kristel and the work she undertook in Cambodia, making a positive change in the lives of these communities.