At ADAWA, we are thrilled to assist some of our student members give back by attending a trip with the Kimberley Dental Team.
CHRIS LEE
Tell us about your experience with the Kimberley Dental Team and what the experience meant to you?
My team during the week was mostly based at the Halls Creek Hospital but we would also split the team with the other travelling to schools and communities around the area. We provided a whole range of dental treatment for both children and adults, which included cleans, restorations, extractions and dentures to fissure sealants and stainless steel crowns. I was extremely fortunate to be able to work with the Kimberly Dental Team and was greatly inspired by the community response to the service that Jan and John have been providing tirelessly over these years.
What were some of the highlights?
My highlights as a dental student were learning from the wealth of experience of the members of the team and given the opportunity to provide treatment under their tutelage. I greatly enjoyed the school visits from turning a classroom into a dental clinic and seeing the children excited to have the KDT visit their school.
What has this volunteering experience taught you that you think will be valuable as a future practitioner?
I was humbled by the amount of complexity involved with community health and it has given me a greater appreciation for dentistry as a component in a wider health context. It has further encouraged my passion for volunteering and providing healthcare for where it’s needed most.
Do you have a message to ADAWA about receiving funding for the trip?
I greatly appreciated ADAWA for providing this generous scholarship. Being a part of the KDT has truly been a highlight of my time at Dental School.
Do you have a message to The Kimberley Dental Team about this experience?
Thank you Jan and John for all your hard work, dedication, and commitment in running the KDT! I could not have asked for a better experience…except for flooding the kitchen.
What would you say to other students thinking about joining the Kimberley Dental Team on a future trip?
Apply! The experience of remote dentistry is a greatly rewarding experience that will shape your outlook as a future health professional and role in community health for the better.
