Mobile Dentist Clinics on Ukraine’s Front Line

UKRAINE: In the war-torn regions of Ukraine, where access to medical aid is scarce, mobile dentistry units have emerged to address dental issues for both soldiers and civilians. Forpost Ukraine, a charity founded by Larisa Kobal and Andriy Kolisnichenko, has been at the forefront of this initiative, providing vital dental assistance in areas devoid of regular medical support.

Genesis of Mobile Dental Teams

The project, operational since April 2023, required six months of meticulous planning, fundraising, and equipping a specially designed vehicle. Utilising postal transport as a base, approximately a dozen mobile dental teams, comprising 12 doctors working in shifts, now operate across Ukraine. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly, with a two-day rotation, ensuring a consistent dental presence even on weekends.

Dental Deserts Amidst Medical Missions

While general medical missions are somewhat addressed, dentistry remains a critical gap. The impact of the conflict has resulted in the abandonment of dental offices, leaving towns without a dentist for two years. The situation is exemplified in places like Inhulets, Kherson region, where the aftermath of war makes accessing dental care an arduous journey.

Ukraine war impacts Japanese dental practices

Maintaining dental health is crucial for combat readiness. Soldiers afflicted with toothaches pose a significant challenge to military operations. The dental teams focus on treating, removing, and addressing dental issues promptly, acknowledging that soldiers may delay seeking treatment until the last moment.

Balancing Assistance for Soldiers and Civilians

The mobile dental units do not turn away civilians, reflecting the holistic approach to their mission. Considering the overwhelming demand, there is contemplation on acquiring a second vehicle—one exclusively dedicated to military personnel and the other to civilians.

Operating in regions marred by conflict presents numerous challenges. Safety is a top priority, requiring constant vigilance against potential threats. The teams navigate the volatile situation by seeking hidden spots, utilizing camouflage nets, and staying attuned to the possibility of drone surveillance.

Comprehensive Dental Services in Adverse Conditions

The dental brigade provides a wide range of services, excluding prosthetics. Equipped with duplicate instruments and a self-sufficient system, they can commence patient care within 30 minutes of arriving at a location. While prosthetics are essential, logistical challenges in a war zone often complicate follow-through.

Soldiers express gratitude not only for dental care but also for the brief respite from the rigours of conflict. A dental appointment becomes a 30-minute reboot, offering a semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos.

Brigades send requests, determining the destinations based on urgent needs. However, logistical considerations play a vital role in determining viable locations. Plans to expand operations and dedicate specific vehicles for civilians are in progress, acknowledging the lower risk in such scenarios.

Challenges of Water Quality and Sanitation

Issues of water quality, exacerbated by floods, present a substantial challenge, requiring reliance on bottled water. Sanitary conditions, particularly in war-ravaged villages, add complexity to providing dental care, emphasising the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare solutions.

De-occupied territories face extensive rehabilitation needs, projecting a demanding workload for the dental teams for the next 7 to 10 years. The cessation of hostilities may usher in a wave of returning residents, necessitating sustained efforts in dental and general healthcare.

As Ukraine grapples with the aftermath of conflict, these mobile dentist clinics stand as a beacon of hope, addressing an often-overlooked aspect of healthcare amidst adversity.