In this article, the shortage of dentists in Australia is all too apparent. "According to a 2008 government report, 650,000 Australians are on dental waiting lists, with an average waiting time of 27 months" (Dennehy 29). Pursuing a career in dentistry, it is going to be important I stay on the look out for those in need. Keeping track of areas with the greatest need will allow me to reach out to more of the community at once.
What really drew me to the article was the fact that so many dentists and charities were willing to help out the 650,000 Australians. Healthy Smiles for Life is projected to provide more than $100,000 in free treatment to the patients most in need. More than 220 dentists volunteered nationally and many more volunteer each day. Dentists go to school for an excruciating length of time to acquire their skills. Giving away their skills for free is not only modest but impressive at many ends. Not many average Joes would give $5000 of free labor to a stranger in need. This free labor is also given on the dentists' free time.
The only thing that strikes an odd note with me is the fact that Australia let their oral health fall this low. Over half a million people are in need of dental service but have the average wait time of over two years to see a dentist. Is there anyway that Australia could have prevented this from happening or at least slowed the problem?
Wow the amount of people waiting for dental services there is pretty astonishing. After two years I'm sure some minor dental problems can quickly become a real physical health issue for theses patients.
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