Dental & Medical Supplies Limited (DMS) recently partnered with Seiler Microscopes and visiting missionaries from the Christian Dental Society (CDS) of Iowa to provide free dental services to residents in the rural community of in Hopewell, St Elizabeth.

Among the resources provided by DMS and Seiler, according to a release disseminated to the media, was a high-powered microscope which increased efficiencies at the free clinics to allow the dentists to see more patients and provide more outcomes for patients.

The four-day outreach programme was led by Dr Jim Carney and provided a range of services such as teeth whitening, cleanings, fillings, and root canals.

Carney’s group has reportedly been visiting Jamaica for more than 22 years and has established several dental clinics across the island. Also, more than 30 volunteers accompanied Dr Carney on this year’s trip.

“Visibility and magnification are two big issues — so while the clinic lights may have been a little dim, the microscope from DMS helped to create great visualisation so we could comfortably reach and see any area of the patient’s mouth,” Dr Eshuwar Arusu from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) said.

Arusu and the other volunteering practitioners performed more than 40 root canals using the microscope.

Root canals are the preferred treatment for decaying teeth but the procedure is not currently offered in Jamaica’s public clinics and can cost upwards of $50,000 at private dental providers, the release stated.

Local clinics offer patients the option to extract damaged or decaying teeth but this method can lead to a shift in the surrounding teeth and over the long-term cause a bad bite.

Crooked teeth and issues with chewing increase a patient’s risk for persistent headaches, jaw clicking or popping, ear pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears, the release continued.

If not treated, the decaying teeth can cause serious health problems, including cardiac problems.

In total, the group was able to treat more than 400 patients within the four-day period.

“We are very grateful for this microscope. It has not only benefited our patients but also supports our dentists’ own health and well-being, allowing them to work ergonomically and sit comfortably when treating their patients,” said Dr Carney.

“I heard from a friend that the service is good so I had to come; everything looks so professional,” said Peta-Gaye Lawrence, who made the three-hour journey from Kingston to receive treatment from the team at the free clinic.

DMS is a company which provides products for dental and medical professionals.