Dental Health services for Sedibeng’s remote communities

SEDIBENG.- The cabinet of newly appointed Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi seems to be working at high speed to bring services to the people, in particular, to the previously disadvantaged.

As part of continued efforts to improve accessibility to Oral Health Services to communities, the MEC for Health and Wellness  Nomantu
Nkomo-Ralehoko handed over a Dental Mobile Clinic to the Sedibeng District Health Services (SDHS). The Dental Mobile Clinic will assist in providing Oral Health Services to communities and public schools across the district, particularly those in remote areas such as the Vaal Marina, Vischkuil, Rietspruit, Jameson Park, Johan Deo and Vaaloewer amongst others.  Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the dental mobile clinic will ensure majority of people who live in remote areas get access to Oral Health Services, improving not only their oral health status but the general wellbeing of communities.

“This mobile unit will serve as an integral component of the healthcare system that delivers care to communities that are hard to reach, which
will improve access and help prevent the manifestation of diseases that arise from poor oral hygiene,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The mobile clinic will provide various oral healthcare services including the management and treatment of pain and sepsis which include tooth extraction, scale and polishing, restorations and fissure sealants. It will also provide oral health education and screening. Dr Olga Motloung, Clinical Manager responsible for Oral Health Services in the Sedibeng District Health services said that the mobile clinic will also assist in cases where learners are not able to visit healthcare facilities.

“We encourage parents and caregivers to sign consent form permitting School Health Nurses and Oral Health staff to give free Oral Health
Services to learners in need of treatment,” said Dr Motloung.