Shaw said the dental volunteers, who have returned to Jamaica every year since 1978, have demonstrated a clear commitment to service. Shaw was speaking at a function put on by the Rotary Club of Christiana at the Mandeville Hotel in Manchester last week to honour the group.

"Over the years, thousands of individuals have benefited from the programme, particularly young people and the most vulnerable in the society," Shaw said. "The programme has not only focused on damage control, but has emphasised prevention and the promotion of self-care and healthy lifestyle practices," Shaw said.

Donated a computer

Shaw pointed out that in addition to meeting the dental needs of rural residents, the group donated the first computer to Holmwood Technical High School, which provided the platform for the establishment of two computer laboratories, with 40 workstations, at the institution.

The group also helped with research into the effects of water fluoridation in primary schools; provided assistance in the establishment of a small business revolving-loan fund; and facilitated overseas funding and support for a dental programme, as well as medical goods for the Percy Junor Hospital.

"The true value of the contribution of the Flying Dentists is reflected in the improvement in the quality of life of rural folk, the positive interaction that has been generated, which seems to grow stronger with each passing year," said Shaw.

- JIS