Tsunami 2004 – Role of Dentists |
| From Dr Hilary Cooray (CDA
Regional Vice-President, SE Asia) Tsunami hit Sri Lanka with a tremendous force leaving behind a trail of destruction, death and despair. In a few hours more than 31,000 persons have lost their lives. Thousands of people have been injured and displaced from their homes, livelihoods, (belongings lost) and emotionally shattered and belongings lost. Tsunami of 26th December 2004 is one of the worst global disasters in the history. Certainly the worst natural disaster ever experienced by the Sri Lankans. The extraordinary human qualities exhibited by the Sri Lankan people and the World community were truly magnificent. Genuine feelings of love and compassion of our own people, irrespective of race or religion has truly been wonderful. The immediate needs of food, shelter and clothing were catered for spontaneously from all sections of the community locally and internationally. Many dentists demonstrated their leadership qualities and organised relief in this hour of need through their involvement in high offices in civil society institutions and in non Government Organisation like Lions, Rotarians, Religious Organisations, Trustees of Places of Worship, Alumni Associations of Schools and Universities and in groups of various identities. In the second phase of this emergency, Medical Clinics (in the refugee camps) were conducted by our doctors in an exemplary manner. Many Dental Surgeons joined in these Medical teams. The medical needs of most victims at the initial stages were injuries due to Trauma, Treatment of Wounds, Dressings for Cut and Bruises, Contusions etc., were a common occurrence. The Dentists were seen joining in these treatment procedures. Amongst the Dental conditions seen, were fractured anterior teeth, loss of anterior post crowns, loss of bridges and loss of full and partial dentures. Some complained of lacerations and minor injuries to lips, tongue and cheeks. A case where the orthodontic braces were broken was also reported. The people who had their dental needs were unable to seek treatment from their regular Family Dentists or Hospital, Dental Clinics for many reasons, eg The dentist himself may have been displaced, surgery washed away, mourning the death of a child or close kith and kin or, in some instances, the family dentist has lost his or her life. On medical visits to refugee camps the dentist in the medical team could have made a very useful contribution if mobile dental units were available. But, unfortunately, such equipment was not available in the Sri Lankan Oral Health Care Delivery system. In the next stage of the medical care the treatment of pneumonia, respiratory infections, skin infections, diarrhoea was the commonest. Counselling for post Tsunamic psychosomatic disorders is a high priority. Depression, Anxiety state, Phobic state are common amongst the survivors. Identification of thousands of bodies could not be done. DNA identification was limited to the bodies of a few foreigners. The importance of Dental Forensic in this aspect was established and the need for a useful methodology to be implemented is highlighted. |
ŠThe Commonwealth Dental Association 2005
Last Revised:16/03/2005