The Tanzanian-based charity delivers training for rural based Health Workers in Africa providing them with the skills, equipment and resources needed to offer free emergency dental care in their communities.
Since 2005, Bridge2Aid has trained more than 290 health workers and plans are in place to expand the service into new regions of Tanzania as well as other East African countries.
As part of this, an emergency appeal to raise £50,000 has been launched and the ADG has responded by pledging to support the organisation with a donation of £14,000 which includes becoming one of the charity’s corporate sponsors over the next 12 months.
David Worskett, chair of the ADG, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting the vital work which is carried out by Bridge2Aid. Dealing with oral pain and its consequences is a part of everyday life and something often taken for granted in the UK. However, in other parts of the world it is a real problem which can spiral to more serious consequences if not treated by trained professionals.
“Bridge2Aid provides critical support in areas where access to treatment is very difficult and it is important they have the funding to carry out their work. I would urge all parts of the dental industry to support where they can.”
Mark Topley, Bridge2Aid’s CEO, said: “We are very grateful to the Association of Dental Groups for its donation which provides vital resources for our work.
“We are operating in areas where up to 75 per cent of the population don’t have access to a dentist. This can lead to serious health issues and our aim is to provide skills and expertise so communities can address these challenges themselves.
“Our ultimate aim is to train 20,000 health workers across 40 countries providing emergency dental care to 200 million people.”