We offer only two dental services: Fillings and extractions. Chief on the losing side is definitive endodontic care and the fight against gum disease.
A general finding among our detainees is poor periodontal (gum) health and dental cleanings would help but are too labor-intensive. A sad reality.
We work our craft in simple Arabic: Hedran = numb, Opra = injection, Hashuwah = filling, Ifdah = open, Sid = close, Shway alem = this will hurt a little, Zeein = feeling ok?, Alas = done/finished.
Sometimes a patient will come in wanting cosmetic treatment... to fix chip or whiten a front tooth. We call them, "Rock Stars." We'll provide the treatment but they're lowest priority--last in line, if time allows.
Sometimes a detainee pauses to thank us and will touch his hand to his heart--a sign of gratitude in the Middle East. We answer, "Afwan." You're welcome in Arabic.
