Final year dentistry students, Elnaz Tahsini and Ashton Foo, share their experience following an educational trip with the Kimberley Dental Team, with the students’ trip financially supported by ADAWA.
Elnaz Tahsini
Tell us about your experience with the Kimberley Dental Team. What did the experience mean to you?
My experience with the Kimberley Dental Team is one I will carry with me throughout my dental career. It broadened my perspective on the significant oral health needs in remote communities and highlighted the critical role that rural dental services—such as those provided by the Kimberley Dental Team—play in improving access to care. It was a powerful reminder of the impact dentistry can have when it reaches those who need it most.
What were some of the highlights?
The highlight of the trip was being part of a cohesive, passionate team working in sync to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. Witnessing the joy and gratitude in patients’ smiles, and the spark in their eyes after receiving care, was incredibly moving and reaffirmed our purpose. The team’s commitment and unity made a lasting impression on me.
What has this volunteering experience taught you that you think will be valuable as a future practitioner?
This experience opened my eyes to the widespread need for dental care in communities beyond metropolitan areas—many of which face significant barriers to access. It’s inspired me to make volunteer work a fundamental part of my journey as a general dental practitioner. I also learned the immense value of teamwork; a well-functioning, supportive team lays the foundation for delivering successful and compassionate patient care.
Do you have a message to ADAWA about receiving funding for the trip?
I would like to sincerely thank ADAWA for funding this invaluable opportunity. Experiences like this offer future practitioners a chance to gain unique clinical exposure that goes far beyond the classroom, shaping us into more capable, empathetic, and well-rounded clinicians. Without this support, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the urgent need for dental services in these regions or to appreciate the profound role of volunteerism in our profession.
Do you have a message to The Kimberley Dental Team about this experience?
A heartfelt thank you to Jan and John Owen for curating such a meaningful and impactful experience—not just for us as volunteers, but most importantly, for the patients we served. Their unwavering dedication to delivering dental care in remote communities has made a tangible difference in people’s lives. I feel deeply honoured and grateful to have been part of this journey and to contribute, even in a small way, to such an inspiring mission.
Ashton Foo
Tell us about your experience with the Kimberley Dental Team. What did the experience mean to you?
Volunteering with the Kimberley Dental Team was an eye-opening experience. It gave me the opportunity to step outside the traditional clinical setting and provide care to people facing significant barriers to oral health services. Working in such a remote and culturally rich part of Australia allowed me to provide essential oral health care to Aboriginal communities and develop my understanding of the health challenges faced by them.
What were some of the highlights?
One of my highlights was connecting with the local children during school visits. Seeing their excitement and building trust while delivering treatment in such an informal and supportive setting was incredibly rewarding. Another highlight was working alongside a team of dedicated and compassionate professionals. Their mentorship and the support among the group made the experience both educational and fun.
What has this volunteering experience taught you that you think will be valuable as a future practitioner?
This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, cultural understanding, and the value of community-based care. It reminded me that dentistry isn’t just about clinical skills, it’s also about building trust, understanding diverse backgrounds, and delivering care in a way that respects and empowers patients.
Do you have a message to ADAWA about receiving funding for the trip?
I am incredibly grateful to ADAWA for their generous support, which made this experience possible. Thank you for supporting students and programs that make a real impact in communities that need it most.
Do you have a message to The Kimberley Dental Team about this experience?
Thank you for welcoming me into such a passionate and purpose-driven team. KDT’s impact is truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to have been part of it. This experience has left a lasting impression on me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have learned from everyone. I hope to return and contribute again in the future.
