Free visits to the dentist: it was possible Saturday in Delft. The Delft Dental Practice had its doors open for a one-time free treatment. Patient Ria is happy about it: 'Due to circumstances I have no dental insurance at the moment. But I do have pain in my molar'.
Once in the chair, a piece of Ria's molar appears to have broken off. Dentist Merve Can reassures her. 'Fortunately, this is easy to fix. But if I don't do anything about it now, it could lead to serious problems'. Half an hour later, Ria is outside with a new filling but without a bill. Over thirty people will be helped at no cost on Saturday just like Ria.
Ria thrilled with her free dental treatment
Delft Dental Practice sees that people are increasingly taking the unable to pay dentist and therefore stay away. "Life is getting more and more expensive, and for many people who have less to spend, that means they have to make choices about how they spend their money.
And that's why the practice's full team supplemented by dentists in training Saturday is busy drilling, filling, pulling and cleaning. 'We hope in this way to help some people in pain and be an example to other practices. Maybe they can also treat some people this way.'
Yet the people of Delft Dental Practice also see that this is a drop in the bucket. 'Actually, dental care should be back in the basic insurance package. Just like in the old days. Ria stands there nodding. She, too, thinks this is a good idea.
Source: nos.co.uk