The new awareness of proper oral hygienic practices among Grenadians is becoming more apparent. And, according to Grenada’s Senior Dental Surgeon, Dr Marcia Mc Millan Rennie, this is indeed pleasing. 

Speaking to the Barnacle, Dr Rennie noted that as the Senior Dental Surgeon, “my task is to ensure that we have ongoing dental programs to meet the dental needs of the people and also to increase the dental health care of the population.” One such program, dubbed Great Shape Inc. 1000 Smiles Project, involved the hosting of free dental clinics, which was endorsed by the Ministry of Health and implemented through the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape Inc.

According to Dr Rennie, they are happy to have Great Shape on board, and, it is a very timely venture. 

The Great Shape team, which consisted dental surgeons, dental students, hygienists and other volunteers, was on mainland Grenada for just about two weeks. Their expectation was to provide dental services for at least 50 patients per day.

Based in Gouyave St John and Westerhall St David, the team was able to surpass their expectations on some days. They were also able to attend to many young children who received fluoride treatments as well. 

The team’s visit to Grenada, according to Dr Rennie can be viewed as an impactful one. This, she noted, falls under the Ministry’s recent initiative to raise awareness about proper oral hygiene especially among young children. “A new awareness of the importance of dental health care has been aroused and people are taking advantage of it.”

In a release from the Sandals Foundation, Executive Director of the group, Heidi Clarke reiterated the commitment of the Foundation to support healthy communities across the region. “Access to basic health care services is a fundamental of all people and we are delighted to be able to facilitate the delivery of dental care to the people of Grenada.”

Clarke went on to express gratitude to the volunteers who continue to give their time and expertise to improve the overall health of Caribbean nationals. She made mention of the other islands that the Great Shape Team visited prior to coming to Grenada, including St Lucia, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. 

Senior Dental Surgeon, Dr Marcia Mc Millan Rennie noted too that the practicing proper oral hygiene is something that should be taken seriously, as it can affect one’s health. She said she was happy to have the Great Shape team come to Grenada, and hopes that Grenadians continue to come out to the clinics in their various community clinics. 

Additionally, Dr Rennie revealed that there will be another Group coming to Grenada from September 20. This team will function under the program ‘Smile Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique’ and will operate from three primary schools, namely, Grand Roy Government School, Florida Government School and the Concord Government School. There the children will be screened by the Dental team and will be treated on a priority basis. 

Following the visit to the aforementioned schools, the Team will visit the Queen Elizabeth Home, followed by the Hillsborough Government School where they will distribute toothbrushes.

Dr Rennie continues to make the clarion call for Grenadians to practice proper oral hygiene and make routine visits to the dentists.