Project Title:  Honiara National Hospital Dental Department 

The Solomon Islands has a population of 625,000 scattered over more than 900 islands and is internationally rated as one of the poorest nations on this planet. It has a high unemployment rate and a high incidence of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.  Currently, there are 40 qualified Solomon Island dentists working minimal hours due to lack of dental infrastructure in Honiara, the capital city.   Each morning about 100 patients with dental emergencies wait outside the public dental clinic located in the police station. 30 patients are triaged for treatment and the others are told to come back the next day.

Fortunately, a major change is now happening!  Fellow David Goldsmith and dental equipment engineer, Peter Copp, from Melbourne have just spent 5 days at the national hospital in Honiara delivering nine Adec dental chairs, nine Adec operating units and other equipment donated by the Adelaide Dental School or purchased by Rotary. This heralds a new era for dental facilities in the Solomon Islands.  A 2019 Section VIII grant will assist with installation of the equipment later this year.

Project Type: Humanitarian/Education 
Project Status: ongoing 
Contact: David Goldsmith, [email protected]
Country: Solomon Islands
Location: Honiara

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