If you believe that a smile is contagious, then going to a place like Infanta, Philippines, would definitely be a happy and fulfilling adventure. We are a team of six people who traveled to The Philippines to provide dental check-ups to the local population. We brought along with us all the basic dental equipment. Soon after the start of the five hour drive from Manilla, the high-rise buildings are replaced with tropical coconuts trees
Our destination was the small rural village of Infanta Quezon, with a dentist-to-population ratio of 1: 64818. You could imagine reaching a dentist for them is a great challenge. We were there for five days providing basic check-ups, simple extractions and fillings.
Very much unlike our dental office in Hong Kong, the primitive treatment facility that was available consisted of only chairs and tables. Every morning we rolled out white table cloths and set up the equipment. The main concern was infection control and level of sterlization, given the lack of the auto-clave and the limited water supply in the village. We strived to make the most of the sub-optimal conditions in order to to achieve the best possible outcome. We made sure that used instruments were being soaked in alcohol buckets and thoroughly cleansed before using them again. We used disposable mirrors and probes as much as possible. We practiced comprehensive dentistry in a sub-standard situation. Imagine doing tooth extractions in such a hot environment. It is definitely not an easy task. Despite all this, we kept a high spirit and tried our best to accomplish our mission Leaving our familiar and comforting dentist offices in Hong Kong behind, I believe that we truly stepped out of our comfort zone.
Truthfully, I found myself in Infanta to learn rather than to give. I was impressed that in spite of the constant shortage of electricity and other basic health amenities, the villagers didn’t complain about these shortcoming but instead seemed to appreciate life and feel blissful everyday. I remember on our last day of our visit, we were invited to a boat trip to a private island nearby. Everyone of us enjoyed the hot sun and crystal blue water so much that it really made me feel part of the community. It was compelling to me that the smile on villagers’ faces were pure joy and authentic. Happiness is simple when you learn how to be thankful of what you already have.
I feel a sense of accomplishment by having provided our dental knowledge and services to the villagers who were in need of this, although we weren’t able to treat all of them. In a place where not everyone has their own toothbrush, we understand that to achieve a sustainable dental service is a long term goal. We didn’t expect to change the world in a few days, but, to my surprise, I felt like the world did change me through this experience. It made me content with what I have, thankful that I have so much.
