Empowering Local Dentists in Timor-Leste
TCF Dental Project 2024
In November 2024, a team of six TCF volunteers—Dr. Trish Morrison, Dr. Mark Tuffley, Karen Flynn, Dr. Malcolm Campbell, Grace Kessels (our photographer) and Mia Noronha (our local translator) —travelled to Balibo and Maliana. Our aims were to support local dentist Dr. Octavia and her team in the oral health work they do in the district.
For many of us, a toothache is an inconvenience—a quick trip to the dentist, a filling, or maybe an extraction, and the problem is solved. But in Timor-Leste, where access to dental care is limited and resources are stretched thin, even a minor issue can become a long-term health problem.
That’s why, this year, the Timor Children’s Foundation (TCF) Dental Project partnered with the Balibo House Trust Dental Clinic—not only to provide care, but also to support and mentor local dental professionals, and to supply the clinic with the tools and materials needed to continue delivering dental services across the region.
Over the course of the week, we worked closely with Dr. Octavia, the resident dentist at the Balibo House Trust Dental Clinic, along with Sidonia (dental nurse) and Manuel (dental technician). Our goal was to support their work through mentorship and hands-on collaboration while also assisting their school dental outreach program and the government-run dental clinic in Maliana.
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Monday – Getting to Work in Balibo
Our first full day in Balibo started at the Balibo House Trust Dental Clinic, where we arrived with over $2,000 worth of dental materials and instruments, that we gave to the Balibo clinic. These donations were made possible from Balibo House Trust and money given by our generous supporters. These included extraction forceps, dental handpieces, and other materials that would allow Dr. Octavia and her team to perform a wide range of treatments.
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On Monday and Tuesday we joined Sidonia at local schools to triage young students, assess urgent cases, and help coordinate transport for treatment at the clinic. Many children had never seen a dentist before, and some had severe infections that had been left untreated for months.​​​
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Afternoons were spent in the clinic, providing extractions, fillings, and patient education, but more importantly, mentoring Dr. Octavia in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and hands-on procedures.
Maliana’s Struggles
On Wednesday and Friday, we visited the government-run dental clinic in Maliana, where the challenges were even greater. The clinic’s only dental chair had no suction, making basic procedures extremely difficult. There were no proper surgical tools, and the staff lacked training in complex procedures.
With the help of our portable dental unit, we set up an improvised treatment space in an optometry room and worked alongside the local dentists to perform extractions and other treatments. Again, mentorship was a major focus—we demonstrated alternative techniques and workflows that would allow them to manage patients more effectively, even with limited equipment.
What’s Next? How You Can Help!
While our trip made a significant impact, the real work continues with the local dental staff. We are planning to return later this year, and we need your help to:
✅ Provide more equipment to clinics in Balibo and Maliana
✅ Expand the school outreach program so more children receive early dental care
✅ Continue mentoring local dental professionals so they can work independently and confidently
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💡 Ways to Support Our Work:
✔ Donate here – Every dollar helps us provide essential dental equipment and training.
✔ Volunteer – Are you a dental professional? Join us on our next trip!
✔ Buy Coffee! here. – Our coffee fundraiser directly supports dental care in Timor-Leste.
Thank you for being part of this journey!