Oral Health Month in September marks an opportune time to pay extra attention to your dental routine and to educate our communities on when and how to access government dental services, particularly as two of the world’s most common health problems, cavities and gum disease affect your overall dental health.
Gum disease ranks second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence, with an estimated 90% of South Africans experiencing the problem at some point. Dental care is available for all vulnerable communities, and we encourage people to obtain information on how to access oral health care correctly and to avoid any confusion or disappointment.
In the Stellenbosch area the main oral-health service hub is at the Idas Valley Clinic. The services include extractions (the removal of teeth when necessary), teeth cleaning (professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar), fillings (the restoration of cavities and damaged teeth) and trauma and abscess consultations.
To support and educate mothers with the oral health of children 5 years and younger, an oral hygienist also visits Groendal, Khayamandi, Klapmuts and Kylemore clinics. The team enhances education about oral health at schools and have an arrangement with some primary schools to provide oral health care for their young learners at the clinic at specific days.
One of the dentists at Idas Valley Clinic, Dr Anton Weideman, recently celebrated his first year at Idas Valley Clinic. He said in the past dental services were by appointment only, but he was very proud to say that after the team changed their approach there is greater satisfaction among patients.
“In many households people do not have food, which is a basic necessity,” he said. “So it is understandable that caring for your oral health is not necessarily a priority.”
Contact the clinic in your area to enquire about oral health-care services. Remember to take along your identity document or clinic card when visiting. Patients under 18 need parental or guardian consent for surgical procedures such as extractions.
Parents are encouraged to schedule visits for babies at 6 months or when the first tooth appears to promote early oral-health education. Pregnant women are advised to consult dental services before dental treatment is offered to mitigate potential dental health challenges.
Taking care of your oral health is important and could prevent leading to other health complications. The first and easiest step is to ask at your local clinic where the nearest government dental services are provided or search on the provincial Health and Wellness department’s website for dental clinics near your home.
Once you have found your nearest dental clinic visit the facility a day before or contact the dental team to obtain how you should currently access their services to avoid confusion and taking unnecessary time from work or school.
For more details, go to at www.westerncapegovernment.co.za.
