Free Dental Treatment for Poor People in Pakistan

Yes, you heard it right; this time, the destination of Al-Mustafa's Dental Team was the LINE OF CONTROL, Neelum Valley, Kashmir. It sure is one of the few most beautiful and equally dangerous pieces of land on the planet. The thickly wooded valley of Neelum has a history of blood and war. Populations are scattered in the mountains, and travelling from one point to the other is difficult. The upper region of the valley consists of glaciers. The Neelum River comes down the mountains scattering into streams and waterfalls. This river also serves as the border between Occupied Kashmir and the Independent Kashmir. Being a border area and a conflicted zone, life is pretty difficult and unpredictable, and facilities are scarce.  

The Team

The team consists of both experienced and young dentists, dental assistants, ambulance drivers and local volunteers of Al-Mustafa. 

When our team learned that they would be visiting Azad Kashmir for the Dental Campaign, the grin on their faces was genuine. 

Equipment

Our team was good to go after packing up all the equipment, materials and medicines. Due to the heavy equipment, materials and drugs in bulk, the team had to travel by road from Karachi all the way to Kashmir. The equipment included:

1. Autoclave
2. Portable Dental Units
3. Compressors
4. Scalers
5. Surgical Instruments
6. Gloves
7. Medicine
8. Masks
9. Miscellaneous Materials

Sterilization and Hygiene  Maintenance

We did our best to avoid and eradicate cross-contamination while treatment by:

1. Sterilization of equipment via Autoclave.
2. Usage of sterilization pouches
3. Usage of disposable needles
4. Disposable masks and gloves
5. Team attire also comprised of PPE 

Dental Help and Solutions Provided

1. Root Canal Treatment
2. Fillings
3. Extractions (Both surgical and non-surgical)
4. Scalings
5. Prosthesis
6. Diagnosis and Dental Checkups
7. Digital X-Ray Facility
8. Medicines after treatment
9. Toothpaste and Mouthwashes
10. Oral Health Awareness Sessions 

Statistical Summary

1. Diagnosis: 470
2. Scalings: 217
3. Extractions: 108
4. Fillings: 30
5. R. C. T. (Root Canal Treatment): 10
6. Prosthesis: 12 Patients, 29 Units
7. XRay: 152
8. Medicines: 115 Patients

Feedback and Response from the Masses

Kashmir is known as the land of hospitality, and they left no doubt in proving that. The crowd all over was entirely grateful to both the team of doctors and the organization that made this program possible, and to be honest, their appreciation is the only thing that keeps us going.

Assalam-o-Alaikum and Happy New Year in advance.

Today's report is the second part of the series of Al-Mustafa's free dental camps held in Azad Kashmir. After the successful two-day camp in the capital of Azad Kashmir, our team was stationed in Kotli. 

The Camp Location

Kotli is one of the ten districts of Azad Kashmir. It is an ancient valley which dates back to the fifteenth century. The city is known for its abundance of waterfalls and mosques. 

Al-Mustafa's local team did a community assessment beforehand, so our team was well-equipped for the services. 

Dental Issues and Oral Manifestations Encountered

The primary diagnosis were:

1. Periapical infection

2. Gingivitis (Inflammation of gums)

3. Periodontitis (Loss of supporting tissues of the teeth)

4. Dental Caries

5. Halitosis (Bad breath)

6. B.D.R.s (Broken down roots)

The main obstacles people faced in getting these issues treated were: the private sector's dental treatment was expensive, and most of the population was economically weak. Also, there was no such dental awareness amongst the people or any dental education given to them by the related authorities. Long travelling requirements due to rough terrain discourage people from travelling far for any treatment, major or minor.

Our team did its best to provide immediate relief and treatment and create awareness of the importance of practising oral hygiene.  

Statistical Summary

‌Diagnosis 450

‌Scalings 201

‌Extractions 102

‌Fillings 36

‌R. C. T (Root Canal Therapy) 10

‌prosthesis 13 patients 49 units

‌Xray 196 plus

‌Medication 120