At Shenton Park Village Dental, our outreach work continues to grow through meaningful partnerships grounded in community, education and sustainability.
Over the past two years, Village Dental Outreach has supported programmes in Madhya Pradesh, India, Erakor Village in Vanuatu, and most recently East Bali. Each experience has strengthened our belief that oral health education and environmental awareness can work hand in hand.
Madhya Pradesh, India – 2025
In 2025, we visited Saski Prathamik Pathshala Sarmaniya in Madhya Pradesh. Forty-five bright and enthusiastic children joined us on their day off, listening attentively as oral health information was delivered in Hindi.
Our team focused on translating complex concepts into engaging, age-appropriate language. The children showed remarkable curiosity and patience throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions and participating with confidence.
We conducted ten dental examinations and managed one emergency extraction during the visit. Alongside providing care, the emphasis remained on education and empowering children with practical knowledge they could take home to their families.
Erakor Village, Vanuatu – 2025
Later that year, we visited Erakor Village Bilingual School in Vanuatu.
The oral health programme was delivered in English and translated into Bislama to ensure accessibility for students, teachers and families. Written resources were also provided to help reinforce key messages about daily oral care.
Dental checks were carried out during the visit, with one child requiring urgent dental attention. Moments like these highlight the importance of combining education with practical support.
East Bali – 2026
In 2026, we ran the East Bali Oral Health and Sustainability Program at Ashram Gandhi Kindergarten in Candidasa.
Designed for children aged 4 to 6, the programme combined oral health education with environmental learning. With support from volunteers at Trash Hero Candidasa, Arira Resort and Mrs Ratih of Alila Manggis, the children participated in a beach clean-up in front of their school. They learned about plastic waste, recycling and how rubbish can affect the ocean.
The day continued with an interactive oral health session, where children learned why daily brushing matters. Eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes were shared, reinforcing the link between healthy smiles and caring for the planet.
“For me, dentistry has always been about people,” says Dr Ash (Dentist). “When we share knowledge and connect with communities, even small conversations about brushing or nutrition can have a lasting ripple effect.”
Continuing the Journey
Each programme strengthens our commitment to community, conservation and health. We are grateful to the children, families and partners who make this work possible, and to our Shenton Park community for its ongoing support.