Hundreds treated at OHFA's free dental fair in Old Harbour

The three-day initiative, held from June 4-6 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church grounds in Old Harbour, offered a range of services including dental check-ups, teeth cleaning, fillings, extractions, X-rays and oral health education. 

The outreach was supported by a visiting team of dental professionals led by Dr. Thomas Beague, allowing residents to access services free of cost.

Residents began arriving early to take advantage of the opportunity, with many expressing gratitude for access to services that can often be difficult or costly to obtain.

OHFA President Lavern Robinson said the association remains committed to creating opportunities that improve the lives of residents while strengthening ties between Old Harbour and members of the diaspora.

“Our company started in 1993 and we have been giving back since then. This is our third dental fair and we realized that the people are well in need of dental care,” she tells Old Harbour News before adding: “Dental care here is very expensive so we are try to help out as best as possible.”

“We adopted seven client schools within the area: Davis Primary, Old Harbour Bay Primary, Old Harbour Primary, Free Town Primary, Marlie Mount Primary, Spring Village Primary and Old Harbour High School; and students including parents from all of these schools benefited from this initiative,” she explained.  

OHFA secretary and teacher at the Old Harbour Bay Primary School, Kellesha Morris-Adams, praised the volunteers, healthcare professionals and sponsors who contributed to the initiative's success. 

“The number of persons who came out is huge,” said Morris-Adams. “We had so many clients that we had to ask some to come back the next day and then a larger amount that we even manage came out the following day. The team here offered sacrificial effort to attend to many persons as possible. They all did an awesome job and the drive was pretty much needed. We want it to be an annual event so we are seeking additional sponsors… dentists and doctors and so on to join the initiative and give back to the community.”

The event was also attended by two founding members of the association, Hugh ‘Urgie’ Robinson and Geoffrey Cohen. Former OHFA awardee, Custos of St. Catherine, Icylin Golding, who was present, highlighted the organization's continued commitment to community development and service.

A key feature of the event was the use of a fully equipped mobile medical bus which helped transform the church into a temporary dental clinic. The bus was donated by the Vincent Hosang Family Foundation (VHFF), founded by owner of Caribbean Food Delights in New York, Vincent Hosang, to the Organization for International Development (OID) for the people of Jamaica and is routinely made available to support visiting dental teams during dental outreach initiatives across the island.

The first two days of the outreach were dedicated primarily to adult patients, while the final day focused on students, ensuring that children also had access to professional dental care and oral health education. 

The event held special significance for medical doctor Lavinea Smith, a former OHFA scholarship recipient who now serves as chairperson of the OHFA Jamaica Committee. Reflecting on her journey from scholarship beneficiary to community leader, Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of giving back and supporting programmes that create opportunities for future generations.

“OHFA has been a blessing to me since I became their second scholarship recipient back in 1995-1996. They have been family to me throughout my days at St. Catherine High and UWI and keep assisting many others throughout the years. I am proud to be a part of the Committee and I am happy that Old Harbour accepts the initiative this well. The turnout was amazing, I did several check-ups and it feels good to be giving back,” said Smith. 

Organizers described the programme as a success and expressed appreciation to the healthcare team, volunteers, sponsors and community members who helped make the event possible. The OHFA Free Dental Fair is one of several community-focused projects aimed at strengthening access to healthcare and improving quality of life in Old Harbour and surrounding areas.

Building on the success of the dental outreach, the Old Harbour & Friends Association is already preparing for its next community initiative — a medical outreach clinic scheduled for July 22 at Old Harbour Primary School, where residents will once again have access to vital healthcare services and support. 

OHFA says the upcoming event forms part of their ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for residents across Old Harbour and surrounding communities.