A Carlisle dentist is set to travel to Uganda this summer to provide care.

Heather Murdoch, an employee of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), has been serving in the community dental service in Carlisle for over two years.

Come June 2024, Murdoch will lend her expertise to Dentaid, a charity that offers dental screening, oral cancer checks, emergency treatments, preventative and restorative dentistry, and oral health advice both in the UK and overseas.

 

 

Read more: Whitehaven reverend hopes that parish will continue to grow

 

 

She continued: "Their goal is to break down barriers patients face in accessing dental treatment, relieving pain and increasing confidence in their oral health."

Dentaid's contribution to oral healthcare extends to those experiencing homelessness and other isolated groups.

Ms Murdoch said: "Day to day I provide care and treatment to a variety of patients with physical and mental disabilities, dental anxiety, children with additional needs, and emergency dental care."

She will be volunteering with the charity to help run outreach clinics in Ugandan schools, orphanages, prisons, slum areas, and community buildings.

In partnership with Ugandan dental partners, they aim to provide safe and free dental treatment for some of the impoverished and secluded communities globally.

"Each day our team will help hundreds of people out of dental pain," Ms Murdoch said.

They will also spearhead oral health and tooth brushing programs, promoting dental health amongst the communities they serve.

Dentaid's year-round effort includes providing equipment, educating, and supporting projects that facilitate access to life-changing dental care.

Ms Murdoch said: "I have always wanted to volunteer with Dentaid and I have the chance to give something back to people who struggle to access dental treatment and use my skills where they can make a real difference.

"I also hope this experience will help me to have a new perspective on dentistry and develop as a person professionally and personally.”

Ms Murdoch is aiming to raise £2,000 and would welcome any support.

She concluded: "Thanks to your support I’ll be part of an amazing team, improving access to safe dental care and making a difference with dentistry."