Bringing Dental Care to the Philippines

Understanding the Impact

GAIN-Philippines Dental Mission Clinic

This February, GAIN Australia (Global AID Network) went to the Philippines to assist the victims of the recent earthquake and typhoons.  Earlier in December, I was able to meet Mia Munro and Troy Beer in Brisbane Australia.  They lead Power to Change Australia and GAIN Australia which provide medical and dental mobile clinics in Australia and Southeast Asia.  We talked and shared our goals to assist those in need especially as Hope Smiles Together focuses to educate and assist those with dental needs.  In December, Mia and Troy explained their next trip to the Philippines setting up medical and dental clinics to assist those who had suffered with the earthquakes and typhoons in September and November.  Between the earthquake and the two typhoons, 2.4 million people were displaced with these communities suffering from failed critical infrastructure. The Philippians have crumbled communities in addition to down power and water lifelines disrupting the lives of millions. The day to day is hard so medical and dental care is obsolete.  They need help which GAIN Australia seeks to provide with their medical and dental clinics. With these dental clinics, Hope Smiles Together was happy to donate toothbrushes to help in their dental clinics to supply the Philippians with basic care and needs which were lost in the three catastrophes.

Here is my interview with Mia Munro (GAIN) upon their return from the Philippines:

• Where were you in the Philippines? How long were you there?  We were in Southern Philippines, and it was a two-week mission.

• What services ae the clinics providing? What type of healthcare people are there? Other volunteers?  Free medical consultations, medication, LuoPads distribution (reusable feminine supplies), and eyeglasses and toothbrushes distributions. We had three doctors joined from Australia, a medical student from Brazil, two local doctors, and a few community healthcare workers from the Philippines. Besides medical professionals, we also worked alongside local partners like pastors and church volunteers.  Our team ran health workshops in a local village focusing on the basics like clean water, dental hygiene, and mental health, to help families stay healthy long after we leave.

• How many people are coming for services? What are their conditions after the earthquake: What are their greatest needs: We served 906 patients in total, where we had between 100-170 people coming in daily across our seven clinic days. Many people suffered from chronic back and knee pain to high blood pressure and respiratory issues (like asthma and coughs caused by smoke exposures).

Stories from the Field

Any special stories to share from the mission trip? The stats tell one story, but the people we met tell another:

We had one incredible teenage boy volunteer with us who really captured the spirit of the mission. He originally came to us to get his eyes checked, but it turned out his vision was perfect! We gave him a pair of sunglasses instead, and he wore the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. He immediately jumped in to help our team run the clinic, serving alongside us with so much energy. It wasn’t until later that we found out his father had actually passed away just a few days prior. Even in the middle of his own grief, his first instinct was to show up and serve his community.

Another moment we’ll never forget involved an elderly man who had survived nine strokes because of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Right in the middle of a routine checkup, he just broke down in tears. Our doctor and translator stopped everything just to sit and be there for him. He opened up about losing his son a few years ago and the deep grief he’s been carrying ever since. In that moment, the clinic wasn’t just about medicine; it became a place of healing for his soul. We sat and prayed with him right there, caring for his heart as much as his physical health. We gave him the medication he needs to prevent more strokes but seeing him feel truly seen and loved by God was the best part. It was such a massive privilege to be used by God to serve people like him!

• Next trip planned for GAIN? We are going back to the Philippines in November but before that we are heading to Tanzania in May, Fiji in June/July, Cambodia in October. You can find all the information at https://globalaid.net.au/events.

Hope Smiles Together is so thrilled to join GAIN in their efforts in the Philippines.  Improving the dental care, hygiene and education in this area is rewarding as the Philippians move forward rebuilding their communities and lives after such devastation.  We are happy to partner with the amazing work of GAIN Australia.  Thank you for all you do!

Garrett

How You Can Help

• Donate Supplies: New, travel-size dental supplies can be dropped off at our collection location.
• Financial Support: Monetary donations help us purchase supplies in bulk.
• Volunteer: Join us in organizing supply drives.
• Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network.