A 13-member dental team from the New Zealand Defence Force has treated 420 patients during a recent trip to Samoa.
Dental Hygienist Sergeant Renee Mudgway (right), and Dental Assistant Lance Corporal Nadine Nitschke, treat a patient in Samoa Photo: NZDF
The dental programme, part of Exercise Tropic Twilight, was conducted by the team over the last couple of weeks in collaboration with Samoa's Ministry of Health.
The team operated from a clinic at Poutasi village on the southeast coast of Upolu.
Major Philip Worthington, who led the contingent, says a range of dental treatment was provided to high-needs patients, including primary school children and adults.
He says they are pleased that they were able to provide dental care and treatment to those who needed it most but could not afford it.
"Poor oral health can limit our ability to eat, socialise and speak normally. Toothache, for example, can prevent kids from sleeping or concentrating in school," Major Worthington said.
The NZDF has conducted similar dental care programmes in Vanuatu and around New Zealand.