Where There Is No Dentist

    Where There Is No Dentist

    Murray Dickson  |  2021

    $16.95

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    Community health workers, educators and individuals from around the world use Where There Is No Dentist to help people care for their teeth and gums. From preventing and treating common dental problems to making low-cost equipment, this title covers essential topics in oral health and hygiene. The 2024 update features information on highly-effective and minimally-invasive methods that health workers can use to prevent and treat cavities. It also has updated information on medicines and preventing infections. Also available in Spanish and French.

    “The health of teeth and gums, along with general health, will improve only when people take the lead in caring for themselves.”

    — Where There Is No Dentist

    Using clear language, this illustrated book explains how to examine patients, diagnose and treat common dental problems, make and use dental equipment, and promote oral health witin communities. A resources section gives updated information on other training materials, support organizations, and where to get dental supplies.

    A special chapter covers oral health problems common in people living with HIV and appropriate treatment strategies. This book is an important companion to Where There Is No Doctor.

    Have you used Where There Is No Dentist in your work? Share your experiences with us.

    View Sample Pages

    Table of Contents (PDF)

    Chapter 3: School Activities for Learning about Teeth and Gums (PDF)

    Praise for Where There Is No Dentist

    “By giving a well-balanced mixture of illustrations and simple, succinct text in layman's terms, the book provides valuable, hands-on advice for the most important oral health issues: oral health promotion in the community and basic oral care in low-resource settings.”
    — Habib Benzian, World Dental Federation (FDI)

    “As a nurse educator, I can say that the Where There Is No Dentist text by the Hesperian Foundation has been an excellent health resource text for us. Both its content, its diagrams and the educational level it was written for, have proven to be extremely useful. The content has been very practical in teaching lay Brazilians about oral hygiene and health care, as well as for identifying when oral and dental health problems exist and when and how to refer people to a dentist. It is rare that excellent health texts like this are written for the lay individuals.”
    — Janette Ryan, Health Director, Project AmaZon Mission [PAZ], Brazil

    “[Where There Is No Dentist is] a full on do-it-yourself guide for community health workers, educators and individuals on how to diagnose common dental problems, handle dental equipment, use local anesthetics, place fillings without drilling and remove teeth. The book uses simple instructions to make dentistry as accessible as can be. The new edition even includes a chapter on oral health and HIV/AIDS, as well as a guide to treat the dental problems commonly faced by people living with HIV/AIDS.”
    — Benjamin Joffe-Walt, Chief of Staff, Change.org, USA