Rural and farming communities in the North West province can now afford to receive oral healthcare without travelling to a major city or town. The provincial Department of Health has acquired four more new mobile dental clinics valued at R3.9 million to improve access of oral health services.This is in addition to 18 existing dental mobile clinics doing duty in the province. The new mobile clinics will serve communities of Ratlou, Kagisano Molopo, Lekwatemane and Moretele.
The province has seen a sound improved access and delivery of comprehensive oral health services to rural and farming communities since its inception in 2000. Eleven years on, dental mobile clinics are now able to reach over 500 000 points including clinics and schools.
Designed to sustain gravel roads, mobile clinics in a form of a panel truck consists of the following:
- The dental chair that has specialised distilled water bottle in order to alleviate the damage of the equipment by hard water.
- Air conditioner for good environment to accommodate patients who cannot stand hot unfavorable weather conditions
- X-ray machine and X-ray developer are fitted in the mobile to afford clinicians to make examination diagnosis of oral diseases and tooth decay even at remote areas.
- Curing light and amalgamator for conservative cases (fillings)
- Ultrasonic scalar for scaling and polishing to combat periodontal diseases, gingivitis and to remove tartar.
- Infection control is of high standard as there is an autoclave fitted in the mobile to combat the spreading of diseases like hepatitis BV etc.
- Shelter/shade is provided on the side of the mobile for waiting patients..
- A stand-by generator is fitted to the mobile for provision of power where and when there is lack electricity.
- A refrigerator to preserve oral health materials.
- For disabled and pensioners, there is a hydraulic lift.
The range and quality of services provided in the mobiles match services rendered at equipped fixed clinics, community health centres and hospitals.
MEC Dr Magome Masike has welcomed the new developments within the department.
“This programme serves as a map towards improving the overall healthcare system and increasing access to healthcare while fighting the burden of disease” Masike said.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Department Spokesperson
Cell: 0829299958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
