The Sound of Music

The sound of a dentist's drill is unmistakable. For many of us, it's something that causes us to break out in a cold sweat. But for the social workers in Xining Children's Home that sound can have a very sweet ring to it.

Every year Dr. Ian Ma organizes a group of dentists and volunteers to travel to Xining Children's Home, and carry out much needed dental work on our children. This year Dr. Don and Dr. Vincent were the two practicing dentists, supported by a professional record keeper, and eleven other volunteers.

Dr. Don and Dr. Vincent examined the teeth of 47 children over a period of two days. Each child underwent an initial examination, followed by any necessary treatment followed by professional teeth cleaning. Many staff and their families also elected to have dental treatment.

With a little ingenuity, make-shift examination tables were set up, and the doctors were able to get to work. It was a surprise to find that the high pitched whine of the dentist's drill put fear into the hearts of all the children, even though many had never heard that sound before. The 11 supporting volunteers had their work cut out for them, trying to distract the children. Latex gloves became balloons, and felt-tip pens gave faces to the balloons. This ingenuity went a long way to distract the children, and put their minds at rest.

Dr. Ian, Dr. Don and Dr. Vincent all understand the importance of education as a means of prevention, so insisted that every adult receiving treatment should first watch a video on oral hygiene.

Little Chui, whom I wrote about just a few weeks ago, was one of the precious little ones needing treatment. Her skin condition necessitates frequent use of medications that contribute to tooth decay, and Chui faced three extractions. She was very brave as loving words and gentle hands supported her through her trials.

We are so grateful to Dr. Ian and his team for their tireless dedication to the children in Xining Children's Home. Year after year, they have given up valuable summer holiday time to make the long journey from Canada, and serve. Their only reward is in the knowledge that they are helping vulnerable children in their time of need.