Dental Services Underway at Canterbury Charity Hospital

For immediate release: Friday 15th June 2012

The Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust (CCHT), in conjunction with the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Dental Association, have commenced free dental services at the Charity Hospital’s expanded premise in Harewood Road, Christchurch.

The $1.9 million new hospital wing houses the dental surgery, counselling rooms and an endoscopy suite, signalling the continuing and growing need for free medical and dental services in Canterbury for some people who would otherwise not be able to access the treatments they need.

CCHT chair Philip Bagshaw says the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Dental Association approached the Charity Hospital last year, offering to provide dental services. When the home adjacent to the original Charity Hospital became available, the Trust decided the timing was perfect to expand their services to include dental care, counselling and endoscopy.

“It is fantastic to have dentists and dental assistants on board and volunteering their expertise and time free of charge. The Charity Hospital has always been about those in our community helping others in the community and this new wave of volunteerism reinforces the strength of community spirit in Canterbury,” says Bagshaw.

Stuart Johnson, a Christchurch based dentist, is among those who are volunteering to work for free at the Charity Hospital, where clinics will initially be run two days a week. Johnson is a member of the Charity Hospital’s sub-committee, which has been set up to manage the dental services, and is also a member of the Charity Hospital’s clinical board. Fellow dentists Susan Gorrie and Chris Newbold join him on the sub-committee.

“The sub-committee have set up a new and fully operational surgery at the Charity Hospital. The surgery itself has brand new, state-of-the-art equipment and materials and is very well equipped. Referrals will be made through dentists within the Canterbury district and through the Christchurch Hospital’s dental department,” explains Johnson.

When asked why dentists are volunteering their services free of charge, Johnson says they are well aware that finance is sometimes a barrier to dental treatment. “It is nice to be able to give back to the community in some way,” he says.

Treatments will include amalgam and tooth coloured fillings, non-urgent extractions, cleaning and gum treatment and root fillings on front teeth. People wishing to find out if they are eligible for treatment at the clinic should speak to their own dentist to find out about referrals.

“Dental health is no different to any other area of health. A diseased mouth means ill health. There are also direct links between poor oral health and other health issues, such as heart disease. Psychologically, a nice smile itself can be a huge confidence builder, so a nice smile and no pain when eating or drinking can make a big difference to a person’s overall wellbeing,” says Johnson.

ENDS

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