(Photo by Donn Tan)
On the evening of Friday (31 May), nearly 40 volunteers gathered at the Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore) in Redhill for the fourth and final session of dental assistant training.
This series of training sessions for volunteer dental assistants was initiated by the Tzu Chi International Medical Association of Singapore (TIMA Singapore), with the first session commencing on 1 March of this year. The training primarily covers the skills required of dental assistants, as well as the understanding of dental treatment equipment and processes.
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(Fong Kwai Kin) -
(Photo by Fong Kwai Kin) -
(Photo by Donn Tan) -
(Photo by Donn Tan)
The session started with Jothiramalingam Vinoth, Chief Physiotherapist of Tzu Chi Day Rehabilitation Centre (DRC), discussing the importance of proper methods for lifting and transferring patients with various conditions in a dental clinic setting. To ensure everyone could comprehend and practice what was shared, he demonstrated different techniques for transferring patients with functional declines, such as those who had suffered from strokes, patients with Parkinson's disease, and patients who are completely unable to bear weight. Thanks to the volunteers who perfectly played the roles of various types of patients, everyone was able to observe how to assist patients safely.
Besides checking the safety of all mobility aids and standing on the weaker side of patients to ensure their safety, Vinoth emphasised the importance of giving gentle verbal cues in a slow and steady rhythm. This allows patients to actively participate in their own movement, which helps maintain their confidence. Using the right techniques to transfer patients not only keeps the patients safe but also prevents volunteers from sustaining any self-injury during the process. These skills are essential not just for assisting patients but also for volunteers in their daily lives.
Louis from Caregivers Alliance. (Photo by Donn Tan)
The following session was presented by Louis and Mary from Caregivers Alliance who discussed mental health issues pertinent to geriatric patients, such as depression and dementia. These conditions can develop as a result of social isolation after losing mobility or the loss of loved ones. Volunteers learned about the similarities between both conditions and the importance of early diagnosis to slow down the progression of dementia and provide more effective treatment for depression and other mental health issues. They also shared information on the five different types of dementia and the ten symptoms associated with these conditions. Besides understanding about these mental conditions, caregivers should understand the importance of self-care. Having a support network that provides continuous caregiver support and training from experienced caregivers is essential for sharing experiences, emotional release, and healing.
(Photo by Donn Tan)
(Photo by Donn Tan)
Tzu Chi volunteer Karen Tong (lady in red in the above photo) is currently taking a Therapy Assistant course. She found this dental assistant course to be very useful in reinforcing her knowledge and refresh her memory especially the CPR-AED component in the previous session and the part on transferring patients safely in today's session. She aims to use the skills and knowledge acquired to help others who are in need such as the elderly at active ageing centres.
Tzu Chi volunteer Ho Lay Hiong attended the training with her friends to gain new knowledge and skills. She found the first two sessions on dental issues very useful as they introduced entirely new concepts to her. She is now able to share her dental health knowledge with her young children at home. With these newly acquired skills, she anticipates more opportunities to contribute to Tzu Chi's activities. The training has equipped her with the necessary skills, boosting her confidence to assist in dental services at the Ren Ci Nursing Home.
Tzu Chi volunteer Seah Bee Yeng (third person from the right in the photo above) shared that today's session was especially memorable. She found Vinoth's presentation very useful and Louis's sharing particularly enlightening, given the increasing prevalence of early-onset dementia. Knowing the signs to look out for enables her to direct people showing these signs to seek early treatment. She believes in the importance of lifelong learning and intends to apply this knowledge in her own life and use it to help others as a volunteer at the dental clinic.
All participants provided positive feedback and found the training beneficial. They are eager to apply their newly acquired knowledge to contribute to the community and alleviate the suffering of those who are in need.
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