Specialist Orthodontist Dr Simone Mustac is giving back via the ADA Dental Health Foundation’s (ADA DHF) Rebuilding Smiles program.
Orthodontist Dr Simone Mustac wanted to give back but wasn’t sure if there would be much need for orthodontics via dental volunteerism programs.
Her practice, Ellenbrook Orthodontics, was already involved with the Give a Smile program (the charitable arm of the Australian Society of Orthodontists), when Simone reached out to Andrea Paterson at ADA DHF.
“I was inspired to do some more volunteer work after hearing stories of hardship from our patients,” Simone says.
“One patient that really stayed with me was a mum who became quite emotional while we were discussing her son’s treatment plan,” Simone recalls. “She told me her husband had recently passed away and treatment just wasn’t financially possible at the time. The patient was very self-conscious, and the treatment I recommended was best done while he was still young, so I offered to do the treatment pro bono. Then I thought it would be nice if we could do that more for people who really need it via a formal volunteering program.
Andrea did not have a patient requiring orthodontics for some time, but Simone was happy when a needy patient was referred via the ADA DHF’s Rebuilding Smiles program. The patient is now part way through her treatment with the team at Ellenbrook Orthodontics.
“The patient is a teenager who, unfortunately, has a history of domestic violence in her household,” Simone explains. “She was very self-conscious because her teeth were very protrusive and as a result she was being teased at school.
“She has been an amazing patient,” Simone adds. “We had a few issues at the beginning with irregular attendance due to her challenging home situation, and she once presented with a family member who was disruptive in the reception area. Whenever we had any issues, we contacted Andrea, and Andrea was excellent and communicated directly with the patient and her family establishing clear expectations.
“But despite these hiccups, the patient has always been very respectful and appreciative,” Simone says. “At one point in treatment, her oral hygiene was very poor, but when I asked why this was the case, she was very honest and said she no longer had access to a toothbrush, so we provided her with another one and that resolved the issue. She is very mature for her age, and travels a significant distance via public transport to attend her appointments.”
Simone says it has been a positive experience for the practice team.
“The team loves the feeling that we are helping people,” Simone says. “I think when you are working in a job every single day, there are times you can get focused on the day-to-day negatives. Having that volunteer experience and realising what a difference your job can make to a patient’s confidence is great for all involved.”
Simone says it has also been rewarding seeing the patient’s self-esteem improve at every appointment.
“Now when she attends her appointments she is often smiling, whereas before she was covering her mouth,” Simone says. “Seeing her confidence increase in the clinic is very rewarding. She now chats to the staff and tells us about her school and other aspects of her life.”
To another dentist considering volunteering, Simone recommends getting involved. “Particularly for orthodontics, once they get those braces on, they are such short appointments. It isn’t like you are taking up your only clinical room for hours at a time. I would love to continue being part of this volunteer program.
“Andrea makes it so easy,” she adds. “There isn’t much administration or anything like that – she does all that work. I don’t see any downside to it.
“If this is something you want to be involved in, reach out and offer your services. I didn’t think the program would use an orthodontist, and although it took Andrea a bit of time to find a patient, it shows that whatever service you can offer will benefit a patient.”
If you are interested in giving back via a program with the ADA DHF, please contact WA state coordinator, Andrea Paterson at [email protected]
