As part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, the Gold Coast Medical Foundation, in partnership with the Ghana Dental School, has provided free dental care to residents of Awutu Bereku in the Central Region.
The outreach saw scores of residents taking turns to receive oral health screening, cleanings, and basic dental treatments.
Co-founder of the Gold Coast Medical Foundation, Dr. Kwabena Boakye, emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare, particularly in under-served areas. He noted that oral hygiene remains one of the most neglected areas in Africa, especially in rural communities, despite its link to other serious health conditions.
“Dental hygiene is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Poor oral health can lead to many diseases and infections. That’s why we are here,” Dr. Boakye stated.
He also advised the public to maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid mouth-to-mouth contact to reduce the risk of infections.
The Ghana Dental School team expressed satisfaction with the turnout. Dr. Emefa Apaloo, the lead dentist on the team, noted that many of the patients had never received dental treatment before.
“We were able to screen and educate them on proper oral hygiene practices,” she said.
Dr. Apaloo explained that dental cleaning should be done at least twice a year, adding that it is often seen as a luxury, although it is affordable and crucial to preventing conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay.
She highlighted the link between poor oral health and systemic conditions like diabetes, warning that tartar buildup and untreated infections could worsen chronic health issues.
Dr. Apaloo added that the current initiative focused on screening and cleaning but indicated plans to expand the services to include minor procedures like simple extractions in future outreach events.
She praised the Gold Coast Medical Foundation for its consistent commitment to improving healthcare, particularly among vulnerable populations.
“Their investment in health is commendable. We look forward to partnering with them again to reach even more communities,” she concluded.
The Gold Coast Medical Foundation has reiterated its commitment to delivering quality, community-focused health interventions in partnership with medical professionals across Ghana.
