"Now that you've fixed my teeth, I can look for a wife!" says a homeless man jokingly as he leaves our Association's Dental Clinic, which provides free primary care dental services. How much truth was hidden in his words? How would we feel if one of our front teeth suddenly broke, and until it was fixed, we were embarrassed to smile or even speak?
A beautiful smile provides confidence and comfort in interpersonal relationships, and good oral hygiene prevents important risks such as airway blockage, germs in the bone or heart, stomach problems, restless sleep. "The lack of teeth is a disability, as it affects the patient physically and emotionally," says Yannis Trigas, the head of the dental clinic.
On the team is also dentist Nikos Kotrozinis as well as dental school student, secretary, and translator Saeid Jafari. The dental clinic has been open since 2015 and is located in the "heart" of Athens. It provides services to refugees from Iran, Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as to the homeless and to underprivileged citizens. To date, 9,000 medical visits have been made and over 50 different nationalities have been served.
The advanced and modern equipment, digitalization of the clinic and X-rays ensure a high quality of services, equivalent to private dental clinics. We provide: root canals, fillings, cleanings, periodontal cleanings, and extractions. In most cases, communication is in the patients own language. The ability to speak to staff in their own language is very important for the patients, since public hospitals require refugees to bring an interpreter with them.
"We do not see patients as objects of work"
Patients are treated holistically, and they often receive practical advice at the clinic. "They are not objects of work - they are people with physical and psychological needs. Apart from their health issues, we are also interested in their overall wellbeing," says Trigas. In fact, many patients receive practical help and are given personal hygiene items that have been donated to us.
With hearts full of gratitude, they often come with a treat or a handmade gift. "Your hands are golden. God bless them!" is a phrase that many of them say. Our team’s wish is to continue to spread smiles and love to others.
