Hundreds of local children received vital dental care when Rotary Dent 2026 returned to Glencoe Primary School, reinforcing the message that good health starts with good oral hygiene.

“The mouth is the gateway to the body,” said Dundee Rotarian Bev Garner, who helped coordinate the project.

“Just as a hungry child struggles to learn, a child suffering from toothache will find it difficult to concentrate in the classroom.”

International volunteers bring smiles to local children

The Dundee Rotary Club partnered with the American-based organisation Medicine Arm in Arm to host the annual dental clinic.

A team of 15 volunteers, including seven dentists and eight dental assistants from the United States and Finland, spent a week treating primary school pupils at a temporary clinic set up in the school hall.

During the week, the team completed 3,915 dental procedures, including 180 tooth extractions and 305 fillings.

According to the volunteer dentists, excessive sugar consumption remains one of the leading causes of dental problems among children.

“The consistent feedback from our dentists is that children are eating sugary foods too often. We encourage parents to limit sweets and sugary treats to special occasions or perhaps just one day a week,” said Garner.

The Rotary Club thanked its members for the planning and preparation that made the project possible.

Special appreciation was also extended to Dr Sookraj, Glencoe Primary School for providing its hall and school bus, and the many donors who supported the initiative.

Orange Grove Dairy supplied milk for the children, while local fuel stations assisted with transport requirements.

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