International Dentistry Resident at EIOH Recipient of International College of Dentists Honor
In a heartwarming display of compassion and care, a team of dental professionals travelled to Uganda to provide much-needed dental care to impoverished rural communities. Led by Dr. Izchak Barzilay, the group included prosthodontists, periodontists, general dentists, dental students, denturists, dental technicians, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. The trip was hosted by Build Your Smile Dental Foundation.
One particularly moving story emerged during the mission. A woman, suffering from a painful dental abscess, walked all morning with her child to reach the group. She was treated by Dr. Shalom Benzaquen, who would go on to write an article about his experience, which was published in the Second Dental District Society's SDDS Bulletin. The expressions of appreciation, smiles, and tears of joy from the treated patients deeply touched Dr. Benzaquen.
The collaborative, supportive environment and camaraderie among the team members made the experience memorable for Dr. Benzaquen. The group provided screenings, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride treatment, dental scaling, operative procedures, extractions, implant restorations, and dentures. Some patients became emotional upon receiving their new teeth, stating that the procedure made a difference in their ability to marry.
Dr. Benzaquen found the team's accomplishments in each rural community remarkable, given the short time constraints. The Uganda experience provided him a greater understanding and appreciation for the life he leads. It also inspired him to apply to Eastman's prosthodontics program and to continue giving back. After the mission, Dr. Benzaquen wrote an article about his experience, which was recognised by the International College of Dentist's annual journalism awards in the category of Humanitarian Service.
Dr. Benzaquen is currently a first year prosthodontics resident at EIOH. He appreciates his life in North America with access to medical and dental care more after the Uganda experience. The article he wrote, detailing his experiences and the impact of the mission, serves as a testament to the power of dental care and the difference it can make in people's lives.
