Perth Free Dental Clinic
Accessible dental care for all in need
Perth Free Dental Clinic
On 2 November 2013, with all the right conditions in place, the Tzu Chi Perth International Medical Association held its first free dental clinic at Spencer Dental Clinic, symbolizing the first step of Tzu Chi Perth’s medical mission. The association aims to improve the oral health and access to dental hygiene resources of patients who cannot otherwise obtain adequate care, especially refugees, people experiencing homelessness, and disadvantaged families in Western Australia. Its hope is to establish a long-term free dental clinic to help patients who need care but lack the financial means to receive dental treatment. Starting from borrowing a venue and coordinating dentists and volunteers, the team gradually established a complete process covering registration, health education, treatment, and follow-up.
The medical team provided patients with knowledge about dental care and general health
Throughout the day, this free clinic served a total of 56 patients. Treatments included 7 extractions, 60 fillings, and 23 cleanings.
Volunteers performed sign-language songs and interacted with patients
The volunteers’ thoughtful childcare service allowed patients with children to receive treatment with peace of mind and no worries.
After each free clinic, the event came to a fulfilling close in an atmosphere of gratitude. We truly believe it left everyone with a deep sense of happiness, and invited volunteers all looked forward to the next clinic.
Group photo: this was the seventh large-scale free clinic, serving 97 patients (people experiencing homelessness and refugees). A total of 80 general volunteers and 145 medical volunteers participated, with 25 dental chairs in operation.
The Tzu Chi Perth Liaison Office held its first free dental clinic in 2013. At the beginning, clinics were held once every six months. Later, considering that many patients with more serious conditions needed more frequent dental care, a mentoring program was launched in 2017 at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA), recruiting dental students from the University of Western Australia to participate in a monthly clinic and cultivate compassionate doctors who treat patients like family. In March 2021, the clinic venue was moved to a dental practice lent by Dr. Sonny Lee.