Dentists in Okanagan Falls, Penticton, and Oliver decided to volunteer to provide emergency care to the Ukrainian Children. They step forward in crucial times to approach the issues children face.
The Sunrise Rotary Club of Penticton and the Ukrainian Nightingale Project sent out a call to local dentists. The call was requested to provide emergency care on a pro bono or reduced fare basis.
The call was answered by six dentists including Dr. Azeez Swarup who owns Okangana Dental in Okanagan Falls with his wife, Dr Divya Swarup. The team of dentists also included Drs. Michael Burghardt, Andrew Dawn, Tom Evans, and Alan Singleton of Penticton and Dr. Jordan Noftle of Oliver.
Initially, the program was funded by Penticton Sunrise Club, However after being spearheaded by Dr. Mac Paterson and coordinated by Linda Roy, Jennifer Martinson assumed the duties of organizing the program and seeing it through.
Since the invasion of Russia on Ukraine the UNP has helped 20 families with 21 children to relocate to the South Okanagan. The project was focused on providing dental care to children who do not have any coverage and are in urgent need.
The program observed that lack of dental care led to different problems and dental issues. The program wanted to address those serious issues and restrict further development. While dental issues are often overlooked, they can result in immediate and long-term consequences.
Director of UNP, organizing the program expressed gratitude towards participating dentists for their much-needed help. She also appreciated the Penticton Sunrise Club for initiating the project.
Source: https://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/article_3055f7f0-59b0-11ef-843c-c3434929724d.html