Find out more about life changing charity dental work in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, carried about by the team at Treeline Dental Care.
Husband and wife dentist-duo, Atta and Farrah Butts, are both associates at Treeline Dental Care. They recently set up their Charity Dental Care programme and took their dentistry skills to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. With a trip that lasted two weeks, their purpose was to provide free dental services to those unable to afford care. They treated refugees and low-income individuals from the local community.
Their work included some of the most common issues, such as untreated cavities, gum disease, abscesses, and missing teeth. Many patients had been suffering from chronic pain and infections caused by years of neglect through a lack of resources or education. So their priority was on urgent and essential care, such as extractions, fillings, scaling, and infection control.
An opportunity to give back
Dr Farrah Butt said: ‘The desire to help people who lack access to basic dental care inspired us. Oral health is often overlooked, especially in vulnerable populations, and we wanted to use our skills to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. My husband and I also saw it as an opportunity to give back and grow personally by working with underserved communities.’
On arrival, the couple set about seeing patients from underserved communities, such as refugees, low-income families, and individuals who cannot access dental care due to financial or logistical barriers.
Dr Atta Butt said: ‘One of the most memorable moments was seeing a young boy with severe tooth pain that had lasted for months. He had difficulty eating and sleeping, and his family couldn’t afford treatment. After we treated him, he smiled for the first time in weeks, and his family’s gratitude was overwhelming. It was a powerful reminder of how Charity Dental Care can transform lives.’
Facing challenges
Farrah and Atta agree that for those in need, receiving free dental care can have a profound impact on the both the individuals and their families. It not only relieves pain but also restores confidence and improves their quality of life – allowing them to eat, speak, and smile properly again.
However, their time in Malaysia was not without challenges. The biggest issue was limited resources, and at times they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients needing care. They also had to handle some cultural and language barriers with patients which slowed down communication.
Their approach was to prioritise cases based on urgency and make the most of portable dental equipment. Partnering with local organisations also helped ensure they had the necessary materials and support. This collaboration was fundamental to maximising the impact they could make during their time with the charity. The local community also played an essential role by providing logistical support, helping with translation and spreading awareness.
Taking the long-view
With a view to helping the community help itself in the long-term, Farrah and Atta also trained local healthcare providers to continue the work, emphasising education to reduce the need for future treatments and building long-term partnerships. They are also looking into technology innovations to allow for better patient tracking and follow-up care.
Dr Farrah Butt said: ‘This experience has been deeply fulfilling. It reminded us of why we pursued dentistry in the first place – to make a difference in people’s lives. We want to encourage other dentistry professionals to take the leap and get involved. The rewards – both personal and professional – are immeasurable.’
Jimmey Palahey, co-founder of Treeline Dental, said: ‘I am very proud of the dedication and impact that Farrah and Atta have shown. It is fantastic to be able to share the quality dental care and knowledge that our dentists have accrued with those in need. I believe that Charity Dental Dare will go on to empower other communities to prioritise oral health.’
Discover more about Treeline Dental here.
This article is sponsored by Treeline Dental.
