About Bridge2aid
Bridge2aid: Eliminating Dental Pain and Suffering in Rural Communities
Bridge2aid is a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate dental pain and suffering in rural communities. The organization was founded in 2004 by Ian Wilson, a dentist who saw the need for dental care in developing countries. Since then, Bridge2aid has been working tirelessly to provide access to dental care for people living in remote areas of Tanzania.
The mission of Bridge2aid is simple yet powerful: to improve the quality of life for people living in rural communities by providing them with access to basic dental care. The organization believes that everyone deserves the right to good oral health, regardless of where they live or their economic status.
One of the main challenges faced by people living in rural areas is lack of access to basic healthcare services, including dental care. This often leads to untreated tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. In some cases, these conditions can even be life-threatening.
Bridge2aid works with local healthcare providers and community leaders to identify areas where there is a need for dental care services. The organization then trains local healthcare workers on how to provide basic dental treatments such as extractions and fillings using simple tools and techniques.
The training provided by Bridge2aid not only helps improve access to dental care but also creates employment opportunities for local healthcare workers. This helps build sustainable solutions that benefit both the community members as well as the local economy.
Over the years, Bridge2aid has helped thousands of people receive much-needed dental treatment through its various programs. These programs include Dental Volunteer Program (DVP), Training Program (TP), Community Oral Health Education (COHE) program among others.
The Dental Volunteer Program (DVP) provides an opportunity for dentists from around the world who want to volunteer their time and skills towards improving oral health outcomes globally while experiencing new cultures at first hand through volunteering abroad placements. The program is designed to provide dental professionals with an opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with local healthcare workers while also gaining valuable experience in a different cultural setting.
The Training Program (TP) is designed to train local healthcare workers on how to provide basic dental treatments using simple tools and techniques. The program includes both classroom-based training as well as hands-on practical sessions.
The Community Oral Health Education (COHE) program aims at educating communities on the importance of good oral health practices. This includes teaching people about proper brushing techniques, healthy eating habits, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Bridge2aid's work has been recognized globally for its impact on improving access to dental care in rural communities. In 2019, the organization was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, which is considered one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a voluntary organization in the UK.
In conclusion, Bridge2aid is an organization that has made significant strides towards eliminating dental pain and suffering in rural communities. Its commitment towards building sustainable solutions that benefit both community members as well as local economies makes it a unique player in this field. By providing access to basic dental care services through its various programs, Bridge2aid has helped improve the quality of life for thousands of people living in remote areas of Tanzania.