5. Timon's Report - Patients on 'African Time'

Having started with the blessing from the bishop, the day was long but interesting. The patients on appointment came though as said in “African time” to mean they did not keep their time which is normal in Africa. 

We don’t have watches but enough time while in developed countries you people have watches but no time. 

The first one was a lady with chronic periodontitis (gum inflammation with severe bone destruction) we checked and discussed together with the dental team comprising the staff members and other people undergoing training or student on field work. This is one of our goals, to train nurses from health centres to be able to offer emergency oral health care in their areas and be able to refer complicated cases to the clinic for special attention without first tempering with them. The Butembo clinic is a good setting for field work for student to get skills and see the basic equipments which lacks in their school.  

The patient with chronic periodontitis being discussed.

 Photo by Ringo. From left to right: Timon moderating the discussion while treating the patient, second is Mr Hangi a student in the dental school having his field work at the clinic, seating is Mrs Charlotte the chair side assistant, in white vest Mr Kyeya a nurse undergoing a training, and lastly Mr Doudou a dental assistant working with Ringo at the clinic as part time staff as he’s also studying. As final decision we gave a prescription and recommended routine cleaning (scaling and polish) every six month or at least once a year in consideration.