YWAM extends its visits to NCD schools

MARKING World Oral Health Day, Youth with a Mission Medical Ships Australia and Papua New Guinea (YWAM MS) has announced the resumption and expansion of school visits by the YWAM dental trailer scheduled to start next month.
During term two, the semitTrailer and its team will visit three schools in Port Moresby, Sevese Morea Elementary and Primary School, Kila Kila Secondary and Carr Memorial Adventist.
The outreach will provide essential oral health education sessions and distribute Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures packs (includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and educational flyer) to about 3,400 students.
John Wood, managing director of Colgate-Palmolive, expressed pride in their support of the programme.
“In addition to supplying the Bright Smiles Bright Future packs, we are also offering financial support and facilitating the employment of a local dentist and dental therapist in the trailer,” Wood added.
“This not only meets a critical need but also provides valuable employment opportunities for Papua New Guinean dental professionals who have faced challenges in securing work.”
With a focus on aligning with World Health Organisation treatment standards, the trailer will provide treatment to students in grade prep, grade five and grade nine.
Treatment services will encompass restoration, extractions, cleaning, and fluoride treatment.
Outfitted with three dental chairs and sterilisation facilities, the trailer is equipped to deliver comprehensive dental care services to the students.
Ken Mulligan, managing director of YWAM, said their team was eager to resume school engagement,
“I am thrilled to announce that we are extending the programme to include more schools this year. Colgate’s invaluable support in employing a dentist and dental therapist plays a pivotal role in making this expansion possible,” Mulligan said.
The trailer initiative began with an invitation from the NCD Governor Powes Parkop, who welcomed YWAM MS to operate the dental trailer in Port Moresby Schools.