Oral health issues affect people of all ages in Thailand. A national survey by the Ministry of Public
Health revealed a concerning trend: over 50% of Thai children have tooth decay, while gingivitis affects
more than 60% of adults. Compounding this problem is the limited access to dental care for Thais. With
less than 10% receiving regular services, disparities further increase depending on health insurance
coverage. Addressing this gap in oral health equity is crucial, as equal access to dental care promotes
fairness and reduces inequalities, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve.
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) and the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn
University (Dent Chula) continue the ‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ initiative for the fourth year. This
program
brings free, high-quality dental care to underserved communities, particularly those in remote areas or
facing financial barriers. On May 15-16, 2024, the initiative reached Nong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Phachi
District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, serving over 500 cases in just two days.
Assoc. Prof. Chanwit Prapinjumrune, Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry,
Chulalongkorn University, shared “Dent Chula has a long-running offsite dental unit project that
brings
free dental care to underserved communities. Partnering with GULF for the fourth year, ‘GULF Sparks
Smiles’ initiative has significantly expanded their reach to Nong Nam Sai Subdistrict Administrative
Organization as it is easily accessible to residents of both Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Saraburi
provinces. This location shares strategic demographic advantage and synergy with the Faculty of
Dentistry’s Royal Dentistry Project in ensuring greater access to dental treatment and equal care for
remote communities across Thailand.”
Pranrak Baikloy, a volunteer from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School, said
“Volunteering with ‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ was an incredibly rewarding experience. The project provides
much-needed dental care to those who might otherwise struggle to afford it. It was inspiring to see how
this program raises awareness about oral health and empowers people to prioritize their well-being.
Beyond the positive impact on the community, volunteering offered valuable hands-on experience working
alongside professional dentists. This will undoubtedly be beneficial for my future studies.”
“GULF Sparks Smiles” offers a comprehensive range of dental care such as fillings, tooth extractions,
scaling, fluoride coating, and x-rays, as well as more complex procedures like wisdom tooth removal.
This continuous program embodies GULF’s commitment to ‘Powering the Future, Empowering the People’,
highlighting the company’s dedication to improving people’s quality of life, and enabling equal access
to healthcare, including offering learning opportunities for young volunteers.
This year, there will be a total of 4 rounds. The next stop will be at Rayong Province, and the
initiative will conclude in Bangkok at Dent Chula in observance of National Dental Hygiene Day.
For the latest updates and information, please visit
GULF Facebook fanpage:
facebook.com/GulfEnergyDevelopmentand
facebook.com/GulfSPARK.TH
