ST ANN’S BAY, St Ann — Colin Powell had learned to live with the pain. For months he walked around with a cavity-filled tooth throbbing in his mouth, on a waiting list that never seemed to end. His daughter and grandson needed teeth cleanings and extractions. But the story at the health centre was always the same: No dentist available, or equipment failure.

“The wait is long and many times when you go back they tell you something is not working and [you need] to get a new date,” Powell said, adding that he and his relatives cannot afford to seek dental treatment at privately operated facilities.

Thrilled to learn that Great Shape Inc was offering access to free dental care at St Ann’s Bay Baptist Church on October 30, they journeyed from Brown’s Town to attend the clinic.

Many others turned out and the wait was long but Powell told the Jamaica Observer the trip was worth every minute.

“My teeth are clean and the pain is gone. I can smile now,” he said with a chuckle.

Powell had his problem tooth extracted and a cleaning done in one visit — something he had been waiting for months to get done at the Alexandria or St Ann’s Bay health centres.

Lauding the dental team, he urged them to come back every year.

“I give big thanks to Great Shape for the help that they have given to poor people. It is well-needed and appreciated,” said Powell, now able to smile widely without embarrassment.

His was one of more than 1,000 lives touched over a two-week stint as Great Shape Inc did extractions, cleanings, fillings, and fitted patients with dentures.

Founded in 1988 in response to Hurricane Gilbert, Great Shape initially focused on rebuilding schools, community centres and infrastructure.

Since then it has expanded to provide free dental and eyecare through its 1,000 Smiles and ICare initiatives. It also has educational programmes geared towards promoting literacy, building computer labs and offering professional development for local educators through its Superkids and Teach the Teachers projects.

Great Shape’s major partner is the Sandals Foundation.

Colin Powell smiles after being seen by a Great Shape dentist. (Photo: Ingrid Henry)

People waiting to get dental treatment from the team from Great Shape Inc. (Photo: Ingrid Henry)