2011.06.11 ～ 13.

A Free Clinic in Inland Australia

On June 11, the Tzu Chi Medical team in Brisbane held the fourth free dental clinic in Tara, Queensland. Through this event, Tzu Chi organization aimed to extend its service by helping students for higher education, increasing home visits to poor families and providing better elder care with the help of local volunteers.

Photo2: Some volunteers are assembling a US-imported dental chair volunteers while others are converting discarded school desks and chairs into washbasins.

Photo3: After three days of detailed preparation, a simple yet elegant dental clinic was completed.

Photo4: Vietnamese oral hygienist (right), a first time participant of the free dental clinic, served as dentist assistant.

Self-service Free Clinic

Ever since the first clinic at Tara in May of 2007, Tzu Chi now invites students of dentistry to participate the event every year on the Labor Day weekend (the first weekend of May).

In the past, Queensland government provided a mobile dental vehicle. However, the two chairs inside the mobile unit were reduced to one due to the frequent changes in the health care regulation and personnel. Last year, Tzu Chi canceled the free clinic event because of a lack of a mobile unit.

Despite the new rules, Tzu Chi continued to work with Queensland government to understand the new health care regulations. With Taiwan participating in the global medical convention, Tzu Chi was able to consult with US medical team, and spent $8 million AUD to purchase six military mobile chairs and related equipment for dental treatment outside of the hospital.

The free clinic service was originally scheduled on the first Friday in May during the long holiday weekend. However, Tzu Chi did not receive the import notification of new equipment until June 8. Thus, the event was rescheduled to June 11, leaving only 3 days for preparation. Under some requests, the equipment was slightly modified. The import company then held a session to train Tzu Chi dentists and volunteers to assemble and troubleshoot problem. Since this was new equipment, it was even challenging for experienced dentists. Usually, the chair would automatically rise if the foot pedal was pressed. However, in field service equipment, the vertical lift must be handled manually.

In three days, volunteers used their creativity to transform an empty hall into a clinic. Dividing columns were made of recycled plastic barrels filled with concrete and tailored-made screen curtains were hung to create privacy for each station. The volunteers even converted discarded tables and chairs into washbasins. After three days of non-stop hard work, an impressive and well-equipped clinic came to life.

On June 11, all volunteers arrived on site at noon and completed the setup for registration, treatment and disinfection areas. The clinic opened from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and about forty patients visited on the first day.

Patients Become Volunteers

The clinic began at 7a.m. on the following day, and patients arrived one after another. At around 8 a.m. to everyone surprise, a patient from yesterday’s service – Janice Watson on her crutches, brought in a giant melon from her own back yard. Her neighbor Joanne brought strawberry, lemon grass, pumpkins to share with everyone. They stayed with the volunteers to help others all day long.

Another patient – Debbie, came to have her teeth cleaned on the first day joined the volunteers the next day. She was very happy that Tzu Chi volunteers solved her teeth problem. At the scene, she read and learned about Tzu Chi, including the story of the blanket. At first, she did not believe that the blanket was made out of recycled plastic bottles. After understanding the manufacturing process, she volunteered to introduce Tzu Chi to people. Although she is a person with few words, she took initiatives in conveying the concept of the recycling and environmental protection to other patients.

Photo1: A Dentist listens to patients’ discomforts attentively.

Photo2: An astonishing melon is a token of gratitude from a patient to the medical staff and volunteers.

Photo3: From patient to becoming a volunteer, Debbie is introducing clothing made from recycled plastic, conveying the concept of environmental protection. 

Jenny Wang, a dentistry graduate, had been volunteering as dentist’s assistant in Tzu Chi clinic since she was a student. After graduation, she works in Rockhampton. When she heard about the event, she insisted on joining the free clinic despite of the short notice and an expensive airfare. Her boyfriend, who was also a dentist, also came along with her to give back to the community.

Another dentist couple, William and his wife Bowan, also came to assist the clinic along with her sister, who is also dentist. Three of them came and worked past lunchtime before taking a break.

On the last day of the free clinic, there were 54 residents, some familiar faces and some for the first time. Towards the end of the half-day clinic, people hugged and said good-bye to one another. Everyone all hoped to see one another in the next year.

In summary, the free clinic had the participation of 13 dentists and assistants, 47 Tzu Chi volunteers and 5 local volunteers. Many residents promised to be part of the volunteers next year. During the three days, the free clinic performed 70 tooth-extractions, with the oldest 90 years old and the youngest 4 years old. The service benefited 152 people, in which 15 people came back for a follow-up, so a total 167 people.