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CLINICAL MASTERS Volume 4 — Issue 2018

Fig. 2 Dr. Ibrahim al-Salti (middle) with fellow volunteers during a treatment session at the refugee camp in Thessaloniki. A: As dentists, we have the skills to help alleviate the suffering of fellow humans. When possible, we should also help those who have been affected severely by drastic life events, such as war and the displacement that follows. Our medical colleagues often report the need for dental professionals at refugee camps because of the multiple dental problems they encounter. I stumbled across a Face- book post, shared by a friend, seeking dental volunteers in northern Greece. I contacted the organization and sched- uled a time to go, which neatly coincided with the course in Athens. It was my first time volunteering with the Health-Point Foundation. They have been amazing—efficient in organization and dealing with dentists from across the world. One also gets to work alongside dentists from across the globe and forge new friendships as well. They have been a pleasure to work with. Q: Have you worked as a volunteer before? A: Yes, many times. I volunteered back home in Sydney during National Dental Rescue Day, treating patients with limited access to oral health care. I have also worked with a number of nongovern- mental organizations treating refugees in Jordan and disabled children and adoles- cents in the West Bank. Q: What would you recommend to fellow dental professionals who would like to become involved in humanitarian efforts like this, but are not sure of how to get started? A: I was in that position many years ago. The power of Google cannot be underes- timated! I would recommend searching for the area of the world in which the per- son would like to volunteer and let that search be the starting point. Dental pro- fessionals can also contact their local dental associations, who may know of projects locally or abroad. However, if really passionate, but unable to commit to any program, then the person could maybe allocate a day to treating disadvan- taged patient groups. A local trustworthy charity can often source some of these patients on one’s behalf. Editorial note: This interview was published on March 31, 2017, on the Dental Tribune website under European news. Interview Meet the Clinical Masters issue 2018 — 71

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