“GULF Sparks Smiles” Brings Free Vital Oral Care to Underserved Community in Rayong

Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) continued its commitment to community well-being by partnering with the Faculty of Dentistry Chulalongkorn University (Dent Chula) for the fourth consecutive year. The “GULF Sparks Smiles” initiative returned for its third round of 2024 on July 24-25 at Mab Toey Temple in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong province. The project offered free dental services, including extractions, fillings, scaling, fluoride treatments, x-rays, and wisdom tooth removal, provided by skilled dentists. GULF employees from both the head office and Gulf Pluak Daeng power plant volunteered their time to support the initiative. This project aligns with GULF’s dedication to enhancing quality of life and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, as embodied in the commitment, “Powering the Future, Empowering the People.”

Ms. Pruksa Petchlorlean, a volunteer dentist, said, “Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health. We use our teeth for hours every day, so it is crucial to take care of them. GULF Sparks Smiles project is a lifeline for people in remote areas who lack access to proper dental care. Volunteering with my daughter made this experience even more meaningful. I would like to thank GULF for prioritizing oral health and creating this impactful community program.”

 

Ms. Chaniporn Sungboonmak, a dentist at Rayong Public Health Office, shared, “The Public Health Office provides mobile dental services to underserved communities every month, and the GULF Sparks Smiles project has been an invaluable partner for four years. It offers free dental care and saves people time and money. Many patients have never seen a dentist before, so we provide oral health education. We appreciate GULF and the dental team for their continued commitment.”

Mr. Chutiwat Kouchauy, GULF volunteer staff from Gulf Pluak Daeng (GPD) power plant, highlighted, “GULF Sparks Smiles initiative aligns perfectly with GPD’s mission to improve community well-being. It is a tangible example of our commitment to equitable healthcare access and enhancing quality of life.”

GULF Sparks Smiles project has been held four times this year. The final round will take place on October 21 to mark National Dental Health Day at the Faculty of Dentistry Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, which can serve over 1,000 patients.

For the latest updates and information, please visit: 

GULF website - https://www.gulf.co.th/en/news.php 

GULF Facebook fanpage - https://www.facebook.com/GulfSPARK.TH/ and https://www.facebook.com/GulfSPARK.TH   

 

Dr Chaniporn Sungboonmak, an operative dentist at Rayong Public Health Office, said: “The Public Health Office has been arranging mobile dental units every month to provide services to people who could not go to the hospitals. The GULF Sparks Smiles project has helped with this effort for four consecutive years, providing free dental services to locals and helping them save on travelling expenses to the city. We found that many patients had never been to a dentist before, so we gave them advice on proper oral care. We thank Gulf and a team of dentists for initiating this project and keeping it going continuously.

Chutiwat Keuchuay, a volunteer who is an employee of GULF Pluak Daeng (GPD) power plant, said: “The GULF Sparks Smiles mobile dental unit complements the missions of GPD power plant, which has been carrying out campaigns to improve the quality of life of surrounding communities. It is one of the company’s projects that ensures equal access to medical services, enhancing the quality of life for all.”

GULF Sparks Smiles project is organised four times every year. The last round this year is scheduled for October 21 to mark the National Dental Health Day at the Faculty of Dentistry Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, which can serve over 1,000 patients.

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