After a brief hiatus, Dr. Fernando’s Dental Clinic, is back again with their community programmes. 
The Voluntary Health Association of Goa organized a health camp at Our Lady of Mercy English High School, Vasco. Dr Fernando Noronha’s clinic was invited to do the dental checkups. It was my first time going for a dental camp and I was really excited. So we packed our dental kit and scampered off to Vasco for a 2 day camp on 24th & 25th of July 2017.
As soon as we began the screening, we realized the children had a lot of misconceptions and fears about dental treatment, and so we set about allaying their fears.
The first day we attended to students from the 8th to 10th std and on the next day we attended to the 5th to 7th std students, which were around 600 students. The children were given a talk and demonstration on the importance of oral hygiene and its maintenance.
We realized that many students had never visited a dentist for any treatment and so many were in need of urgent work. There was this one child who was suffering with dental problems but unfortunately he couldn’t undergo the treatment due to lack of financial means. I personally feel government support or sponsors are required to help such children undergo basic treatment. Overall the experience was satisfying and I look forward to such camps.
Dr. Denise Fernandes
