#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – Over 4000 residents are smiling a little brighter for the Holidays following the recently concluded 1000 Smiles free dental clinics, and oral health education workshops implemented by the Sandals Foundation and its partners, United States based non-profit Great Shape! Inc.

As part of its continued commitment to community health and development, the Sandals Foundation coordinated logistics for a series of public dental clinics at the Church of God of Prophecy in Five Cays, Providenciales and at the clinics in North and Middle Caicos. Beaches Resorts team members also benefited from the services which included cleaning, filling, extractions, root canals, x-rays, dentures, dental sealants and fluoride treatment, through a staff clinic held at the Key West Conference Room on resort.

Tessa McLorrain, Project Coordinator of Great Shapes! Inc. in highlighting the success of this year’s initiative, shared, “For the three weeks of dental clinics which included the post operational phase, there were a total of 593 cleanings, 888 fillings, 760 extractions, 77 X-rays, 28 dental sealants, 41 fluoride treatments, 27 root canals, 65 denture implants and 44 follow – ups.” She further added, “It was a lot of hard work but well worth it.”

This year’s success was made possible through the collaboration of key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Turks and Caicos Islands Government Dental Clinic.

Together, they successfully managed the logistics of one hundred and thirty (130) volunteer dental care practitioners and non-dental professionals from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean over a one month period.

Dr. Brittanie Height, a volunteer with the programme for six years shared, “The most rewarding part of my visits has always been the interaction with children. At times they are afraid of the procedures but whenever I talk with them and explain what I will be doing, they usually feel more comfortable in allowing me to provide them with the service. This year was no different as I got the chance to provide quality care for the people of Turks and Caicos Islands and gave them back their confidence with their smiles.”

Thirteen year old Gracie St. Louis testified of that gentle care. “The dentists were very nice people. They were patient with me and even though I was scared at first, they explained to me what they were going to do and made me feel comfortable. I was always afraid of needles but they used diagrams and pictures to show me what they were going to do. I am happy that they did that because I don’t feel pain anymore whenever I drink hot or cold things.”

In addition to the dental services, residents also had their capacity built in preventative oral health care education. The oral health education team visited thirteen schools across Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos sharing in a fun and engaging activities with students and distributing oral healthcare packages for continued use.

By targeting children, it is hoped that healthy dental hygiene habits will be developed at an early age. Project Manager of Great Shapes! Inc., Shantelle Senior – Clarke shared, “Early education helps to prevent common dental problems like gum disease and cavities. Learning about oral health with a fun team like ours, also helps children develop a positive attitude towards dental care. A positive impression in childhood will last for a lifetime.”

Orville Morgan, Public Relations Manager said while the scheduled visits coincided with schools’ mid – term breaks, “We were willing to visit two schools in one day when necessary because this is valuable information being shared.”

“Maintaining good oral health is important at every age but is particularly important during childhood, Morgan continued, “Poor oral health has been linked to health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. With that being said, dental health education can help children take control of their oral health. It is likely to boost their self-confidence, academic performance may improve and also their quality of life.”

General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, James McAnally affirmed the resort’s promise to delivering quality service to the community in support of the wellbeing of families. “We are as committed to the residents of the Turks and Caicos, a large percentage of whom make up our workforce. Knowing that there are families in need of dental care who cannot afford to visit the dentist, motivates us to continue our partnership with Great Shapes! Inc. Each year the volunteers provide quality dental care and they work tirelessly to serve as many patients as possible.”