Dental surgeon Donna Jackson, a member of City of Chester Band, is currently working in refugee camps in Greece to help alleviate the suffering of thousands of people who have fled from terror in the middle east.

Time of crisis

Donna answered an appeal issued by UK Charity 'Dentaid' which for over 20 years has sent teams of dental professionals to more than 70 countries in response to the shortage of professional dental care, especially at times of crisis.

On this occasion the need was highlighted by the charities Red Cross and MSF whose workers observed that many people were unable to eat because of painful dental problems exacerbated by the destruction of facilities in their home countries.

Military control

Before leaving Donna went through a lengthy bureaucratic procedure, as the refugee camps in Greece are subject to strict military control, and having paid for her own air fare she was then told that only hand luggage could be taken with her in order to make space for dental supplies and equipment.

With just enough room for surgical scrubs, loupes, batteries and masks to go with clothing, Donna finally made it to her destination where with colleagues they set up dental units in old shipping containers and in tents inside warehouses.

In one blog Donna noted that some refugees had evidence of good dental work in the past, with crowns and bridges — as she said,"…a legacy of the safe, prosperous life they used to have."4BR

Past lives

In one blog Donna noted that some refugees had evidence of good dental work in the past, with crowns and bridges — as she said,"…a legacy of the safe, prosperous life they used to have."

Many of the patients have been Syrians, and in one camp the last patient of the day was a little boy who had a tooth extracted.

The dentists noticed he showed signs of a mild form of epilepsy (petit mal), and through their work they also ensured that the child gained essential medical assistance, although as she added: "We managed to catch the medics before they left the camp for a few days. Hopefully, he will be sorted out but we will never know."

Return home

Donna will return next week after completing her wonderful humanitarian work to join the band in preparing for forthcoming engagements and a contest at the end of October.

Donations to Dentaid may be made c/o of their web site: http://dentaid.org/