Dental Care
Jesus instructed his disciples as he sent them out, “Heal the sick... Freely you have received; freely give” - (Matt.10:8 NIV). In North America we have access to world class health care. We have a social safety net that provides for those with few resources, but for most of the developing world, quality health care is out of reach. In SE Asia, a highly refined carbohydrate diet and inadequate oral preventive care have resulted in rampant dental decay among many children. In this part of the world, sugar cane has become a staple.
The cost of dental care is exorbitant for many brothers and sisters who are subsistence farmers or laborers. Their children suffer pain and infection because they lack affordable access to care. In Southeast Asia, the ecclesial reach into the local communities engages a number of neighborhood children who attend Saturday programs at the ecclesial facilities.
This provides a continuing outreach opportunity as families witness firsthand the care and concern of the local believers for the welfare of their children. Providing dental services often also requires travel to a major urban center where the quality of care is assured.