The Caribbean

The Caribbean

Introduction
Here is an update on what has been happening in the Caribbean region during February-May 2025.

Antigua – Sunny Smiles Project
A generous grant from the International College of Dentists and Henry Schein Dental enabled the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association (ABDA) to deliver vital oral health services to eight primary schools identified as having the least access to dental care. Building on this momentum, the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross has joined our initiative through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). They will support our outreach by providing an air-conditioned mobile unit at each site—a significant boost, especially in schools with over 200 students. Given the scope of this initiative, the project is ongoing and requires meticulous coordination with the academic calendar, availability of volunteer dentists (all of whom are active in private or public practice), and other logistical considerations.

Phase I: Education and Outreach
In the first year, our focus was on oral health education. One or two volunteer dentists, along with a nutritionist, visited each school to provide engaging and informative sessions. A videographer documented each visit, and we produced the “Sunny Smiles” movie—an educational film featuring local children and dentists delivering key oral health messages in a relatable and consistent format. This phase reached 874 children in grades Kindergarten through 3.

Phase II: Assessments and Preventive Care
Phase II expanded our efforts to include DMFT/dmft assessments and fluoride gel applications. However, challenges arose due to inadequate lighting and unsuitable furniture in the school environments. To address this, we procured: • Three portable dental chairs with built-in lighting • Portable dental delivery units • 300 mouth mirrors and explorers (sterilized between uses) We also introduced a program to supply a new toothbrush every six months to each child. As we extended our services to all children in Kindergarten, the number of children served in Phase II rose to 1,173.

Phase III: On-Site Treatment
Beginning in September, we are expanding our services to include cleanings, fillings, and other necessary treatments directly on-site. The award included essential dental materials to support these clinical activities. Fluoride applications will continue, reinforcing our preventive approach.

Looking Ahead:
Policy and Advocacy One of the long-term goals of this initiative is to analyse and publish the collected data to advocate for stronger preventive oral health policies—first in Antigua and Barbuda, and potentially in other regions facing similar challenges.

Prof. Reisha Rafeek
Regional Vice President, The Caribbean & Canada