What is Tooth Buddies?
Tooth Buddies did not just happen … it evolved.
One thing led to another, new doors opened and pretty soon the founding group – Medical Sailing Ministries Inc. (MSM Inc. ABN: 28 775 729 364) – moved it’s focus from providing transport to remote regions aboard a yacht, to oral health.
More specifically, conducting a national oral health survey of the country, manufacturing coconut oil-based toothpaste in Port Vila, then developing and coordinating a school brushing program involving 4,000 children at 72 locations in association with the Vanuatu Ministry of Health and local group PCV health. (Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu health program)
But let’s go back to the start…
Medical Sailing Ministries Inc. (MSM) began in 2009 using the 53-foot Yacht, Chimere, to provide remote-access-health and eye care transport, plus logistical support, amongst the islands of Vanuatu. Our mission at that time was to transport teams of local and volunteer health workers – optometrists, doctors, dentists and nurses – in support of the local group PCV Health, to some of the most remote and inaccessible villages.
MSM Inc. is run by volunteers and operates according to compassionate and inclusive Christian values. Our approach is collaborative and multi-pronged, based on establishing direct, grassroots partnerships with Vanuatu organisations and individuals, plus, others in Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere as opportunities arise.
As our knowledge of Vanuatu has broadened, and network of relationships deepened, our focus in recent years has moved to oral health. Specifically, the promotion of oral health education and prevention strategies to assist the Vanuatu Ministry of Health address the increasing burden of tooth decay and gum disease throughout the country.
Working with in-country partner PCV Health and dental products manufacturer, DentaLife Australia, we have developed the supervised tooth-brushing-in-schools program called “Gudfala Tut Skul”, (pronounced Good-fella Toot Skool) which means “Healthy Teeth School” in the local language of Bislama.
The program is all about establishing life changing, brushing habits in Kindy and Grade 1 children, then using this knowledge and experience as a gateway into families and the broader community.
Our move into oral health, builds on our experience coordinating Vanuatu’s first-ever, complete National Oral Health Survey between 2016 and 2018, and then assisting in the writing of a National Oral Health Policy for the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.
While seeking to improve the nation’s oral health, we also create employment and support local business, through the manufacture of our own coconut oil-based toothpaste in Vanuatu; for use in the Gudfala Tut Skul program.
As the Gudfala Tut Skul program has expanded, recognition and financial support has been received by way of grants, from the Geneva-based FDI World Dental Federation (through their World Dental Development Fund) and the International College of Dentists (ICD). In addition, DentaLife Australia was awarded the 2021 Oral Health Partnership Award by the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) for their support of the Gudfala Tut Skul program through Medical Sailing Ministries.
Since the beginning, donations from individuals, companies and organisations have enabled our work to continue. As a “Deductible Gift Recipient” (DGR), MSM Inc. can offer a tax deduction for donations; which we are always happy to receive.
Whilst we always welcome grants and donations – after all, that’s how we have been able to fund all the activities to date – the problem is … they run out.
This is because, once we introduce Gudfala Tut Skul brushing program into a kindy or school, the real, long-term benefits come from continuing it year after year. So that means, the funding needs to match the commitment, if the program is to be truly sustainable.
This is where Tooth Buddies comes in!
Dental practices, individuals, businesses, groups, schools, churches – pretty much anyone – can get on board by becoming a Tooth Buddy, committing whatever they can, from just $12 upward.
