IT WAS ONLY after migrating to the United Kingdom to study did Deepak Simkhada received the right attention that his oral health deserves.
It was only then that he experienced what he called “proper dental treatment for the very first time.”
He vividly remembers it being an experience “and it was nice knowing that I was being looked after well.”
The experience gave rise to a feeling “and a birth of a vison.”
The vision was to go back to Nepal, the place of his birth, and offer something in return to what Dr. Simkhada said a community that had been “deprived of for so long, in any form that I could and to the best of my abilities.”
Now a dentist schooled in the UK, Dr. Simkhada has set up dental camps in Nepal where his team has trekked for nine hours to deliver life-changing care.
Let him tell his story, as told to dentistry.co.uk, a UK website for the dental profession:
“It all started with a small idea. An idea to go backpacking across rural areas in Nepal and spread awareness among the locals there.
“Most dental diseases are preventable up to a certain extent with the correct education and preventive measures. I wanted to share the knowledge that I had gained in dental school by creating an awareness program revolving around education on toothbrushing, healthy eating habits.”
Seven dentists from the UK and 11 enthusiastic dental students and dentists in Nepal joined Dr. Simkhada’s dental camps.
It started in the Dhading district, about six hours away from Kathmandu, the capital.
“The challenges started the moment we tried to put our plan into action,” Dr. Simkhada said. “Unpredictable circumstances and difficulties arose now and again.”
For example, the last three hours of the journey to the Dhading district was made on foot. There were no dental chairs and appropriate lights; electricity was intermittent.
“But once we got going, the buzz kept us motivated. We were supposed to finish at 5 p.m. but we never did. As it started to get darker, one person would hold the loupes light while another provided the treatment. And so, we went along.” The most difficult thing was turning back patients.
The dental camp, which started in 2016, became an annual event before the pandemic hit. The team members increased from 18 to 40 for the 2017 and 2019 camps. The teams were composed of dental professionals, specialists, dentists, hygienists, therapists, and nurses from many countries like Germany and India, Nepal and the UK.
“The team is all ready to run another camp as soon as the situation in Nepal settles,” the good doctor said, adding that the dental camps are likely to expand to other countries.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
