A GROUP of four practising dentists and dental nurses have returned from a week-long visit to Northern Greece where they provided vital treatment to refugees.

After fundraising for almost eight months, Dr Paul Averley, Dr Uzma Olbrich, Hannah Bell and Katie Fergusson all from Queensway Dental Clinic in Billingham, volunteered at the busy refugee camp, organised through medical relief charity Health-Point Foundation.

Over five days, 90 patients were treated including many with professional backgrounds such as solicitors and teachers, alongside families, the young and old – the majority of which travelled from Syria.

With the closing of the Macedonian border, thousands of refugees are stuck in Greece, unable to move into the rest of Europe. In addition to treating the patients, the dentists and dental nurses spent time speaking to families about oral health and how to look after teeth.

Dr Olbrich said: “It is difficult to describe what it is like for those living in a refugee camp. Circumstances are hard, facilities are basic, the winter is cold and sanitation is shared between hundreds.

“Life in a refugee camp is as tough as it can get so we are lucky that we can offer our services and provide emergency dental care for people who have no access to healthcare.”