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Medical desert: in Gers, a bus to provide dental care
A dental bus funded by the Red Cross travels to villages in Gers where there is a shortage of dentists.
(France 2)
A dental bus funded by the Red Cross travels to villages in Gers where there is a shortage of dentists.
In the Gers, a truck has been driving through the villages for a year. This dental practice on wheels was designed by Sébastien Delmotte. Two final-year dental surgery students and a retired dentist welcome patients. Sonia Second, a resident of Jegun (Gers), could not find a place in a practice. A new dentist has set up shop in her town. “In two weeks, she had 600 new registrations”explains Sébastien Delmotte, initiator of the Gers dental bus.
Dental surgeries are full and appointments are required to access the bus. The population of Gers is increasing, but the number of dentists is stagnating. Sometimes, they are also too expensive. The dental bus is free, financed by the Gers Red Cross for 40,000 euros per year. Private funds have enabled the truck to be fitted out and retired dentists contribute their experience. It is an immediate success.
