255: where there is (or was) no dentist..

Most people dread a trip to the dentist. But what if you've never had the option to go? As today's linked story from the BBC reports, this is the reality for many in northern Ghana - and, indeed, in many of the world's poorer communities. The article focuses on the Ghanaian region of Nandom, where nobody in the community can remember there ever being a dentist, but where three visiting UK dentists recently trained two local nurses to undertake basic dental procedures. Apparently, over the course of five days' training more than 80 local patients were treated. Now, armed with their new skills and donated equipment, it is hoped the local nurses will be able to relieve the pain of many more. I have a feeling they could get very busy... (Photo from BBC online.)