Ekurhuleni oral health team brings dental care to Primrose centre
Residents at Avril Elizabeth Home received essential dental services as part of a World Oral Health Day outreach.
Ekurhuleni Health District Oral Health Team commemorated World Oral Health Day, celebrated annually on March 20, at Avril Elizabeth Home Stimulation Centre in Primrose.
The team made residents smile by bringing essential dental services directly to their doorsteps as part of their community outreach initiative.
The visit formed part of the province-wide commemoration of World Oral Health Day.
This year’s theme, A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life, placed a strong focus on promoting oral health among individuals with special needs, an often overlooked but vulnerable group.
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The outreach programme aimed to bridge the gap in access to healthcare services for disadvantaged communities.
During the visit, the oral health team provided a range of critical services, including tooth extractions, gum treatment, fillings, dentures, and management of pain and sepsis. For many residents, this meant immediate relief from discomfort and improved overall well-being.
“Oral health plays a crucial role in overall health, particularly for individuals with special needs who may face physical or cognitive challenges that make daily dental care difficult. Without proper care, poor oral hygiene can lead to infections, pain, difficulty eating or speaking, and may even worsen other health conditions,” said District Oral Hygienist, Tlodipsane Sebela.
Sebela also highlighted the importance of bringing these services directly to the community. She explained that the initiative goes beyond treatment, focusing heavily on caregiver education.
“Caregivers play a vital role by assisting residents with daily brushing at least twice a day and flossing, using adaptive tools such as toothbrushes with easier grips, ensuring regular dental check-ups, and monitoring for signs of oral problems,” she said.
She added that promoting a healthy, low-sugar diet and maintaining consistent oral care routines are key to improving long-term oral health outcomes.
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Care manager at the centre, Nicola Tudor, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, noting the unique challenges faced when caring for individuals with mental and physical disabilities.
“Oral hygiene is of utmost importance. When dealing with residents with mental and/or physical disabilities, it becomes more complicated as they do not always understand or cooperate when it comes to brushing their teeth. Due to their conditions and medication, their teeth are often compromised,” she said.
Tudor added that the presence of the mobile clinic has significantly improved access to care. “Having the assistance of the Department adds value as our staff are trained on correct brushing techniques and oral hygiene practices, which directly benefits the residents.
“We really appreciate having the mobile clinic at the home, assisting with cleaning, polishing and extractions. This avoids long waiting periods and unnecessary discomfort, “said Tudor.
The visit not only restored smiles but also reinforced the importance of partnerships between healthcare providers and community institutions. Through preventative care and education, initiatives like this continue to improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable members of society.
