Tooth Aid

	Tooth Aid Inc is a not-for-profit organisation registered in New South Wales, Australia. Mission Statement Tooth Aid Inc was set up to provide quality dentistry to people who would otherwise have limited access in developing countries. Tooth Aid Inc operates in a culturally aware manner, to work with and be sensitive to the culture of the people. News Update Nambak Dental Clinic was opened on the 28th November 2006. In front of the new clinic are Dr Samphone, Dr Kotala, Dr Syhpy and Dr Suksida. After 18 months of negotiation the clinic was finally signed of during the last visit. The clinic consists of a surgery and sterilising room / store room / laboratory. The last room was given to the hospital and will be used for their laboratory work. See the article for more details. Membership All work done by Tooth Aid Inc is done from money and material raised through membership and donations. If you would like to help or become a member please click on the Membership button . Company Profile Tooth Aid Inc originated from initial work done by Paul Kotala in 2003. The concept of 'helping people help themselves' was germinated in 1993, but it was not until 2003 that the idea became reality. Tooth Aid Inc is currently operating in Nambak district of Luang Prabang province in Laos. Communication with a variety of interested parties, in June 2003, led to the formulation of dental projects in Laos. The first project, the Pilot Nambak Surgery Project, was run in November 2003. The project showed that there was a great need and acceptance for dental treatment in the area. Luang Prabang state is 85% rural, so in order to deliver services to the people mobility of equipment is vital. The other important part of the work done is the training of the local medical staff and dental staff. This also has been successful with acceptance of these people by the community. This was initiated during the Pilot Project and continued through the Nambak Surgery Project. In the Luang Prabang Surgery Project this was continued as well as other programs started. A school preventive program, denture program as well as building a new dental clinic in Nambak Hospital grounds were all commenced. There are many hurdles that need to be overcome or coped with, the least of which is the lack of communication. Most of the communication with the Laotian people is through a translator. There are also cultural differences, administrative processes and working within the seasonal cropping cycle. In most of the villages there is no running water or electricity available. Through planning and support these hurdles can be overcome. Awards In 2007 Dr Paul Kotala, for his work in Laos, was awarded the Academy of Dentistry International Humanitarian Award for 2007. This award is presented periodically to individuals who have shown exceptional devotion to the betterment of the human condition. The award was presented at the Annual Convocation in San Francisco on Wednesday, September 26, 2007. Dr Paul Kotala was nominated as a Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International in 2005. He was further honoured at the recent ADI convocation in Adelaide 2005 with the John Booth award as Dentist of the Year (2005). Dr Paul Kotala was also nominated as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. These were conferred at the IDC and the PFA convocations during 2007. Paul was very humbled by the honour bestowed upon him. Whist he accepts the award he recognises the many other people who have given him their time, learning experience and encouragement for his work. There are also many companies and people who have given very generously to his work. Contact Information President Dr Paul Kotala Vice-President Ms Sue Clarke Treasurer Mr John Gajewski Contact Person Dr Paul Kotala Telephone: 0061 (02) 9427 2369 FAX: 0061 (02) 9427 2369 Postal address Tooth Aid Inc P O Box 725 Gladesville NSW 1675 Australia Electronic mail General Information: pfrk58@yahoo.com.au Webmaster: pfrk58@yahoo.com.au