Hey everyone

So I can't believe I've been given the opportunity to go to Vietnam this summer for two weeks for a charity organisation called East Meets West in Da Nang.

As most of you know I'm at University studying Dental Hygiene and Therapy at Newcastle University. Before University I came from a dental nursing background and have over ten years experience working in general practice. I never imagined I'd get to do something like this so, I'm super excited about going to another country to practice dentistry and help under privileged children in Vietnam.

I will be carrying out my scope of practice which includes children tooth extractions, restorations (dental fillings), periodontal treatments (gums), fluoride application and oral hygiene/dietary advice.

The plan is to work at a city dental clinic during the first week and then onto the rural outreach clinic on the second week. The children will be coming from very poor communities and orphanages.

East Meets West started in 1996 and only consisted of 3 dental team members with an aim to provide treatment to those who had no access to dental treatment. Previously the service relied on charity activities and fundraising but to maintain long term sustainability they opened a fee service to paying clients in 2012. International students and dental professionals from around the world volunteer and work at the Da Nang city clinic as well as the rural outreach mobile dental clinic providing facilities to see 100 – 150 school age patients per day.

The aim for myself and other volunteers is to treat on average 500 school children (6-15 years) in the rural outreach clinic. Dental decay is a significant problem on the rise which causes pain and interferes in daily activities such as eating and drinking. I hope by joining this volunteer programme, I can make a difference.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

Lindsey xx