Dentists from Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region treat soldiers on front line for free

The "Dentists' Battalion," started by six dentists from the central Vinnytsia region, assists Ukrainian defenders on the front lines.

Volunteer Oleksandr Humeniuk told Suspilne about how they created a mobile dentist office and organized trips to the front lines. Oleksandr is from the city of Oratov and has been working as a dentist for over 20 years.

What is the problem?

Ukrainian defenders are often injured on the contact line due to hostilities. However, the front-line soldiers may also develop a common cold or ache, or their chronic diseases may exacerbate due to the difficult conditions. As for dental care, Ukrainian soldiers often don't have the luxury of caring for their oral cavities, so they often develop problems with their teeth.

What is the solution?

Six dentists from the Vinnytsia region created a volunteer project — "Dentists' Battalion." The project started at the beginning of February 2023. During this time, doctors treated more than 200 defenders.

How does it work?

Along with Oleksandr Humeniuk, dentists Ivan Maksymovych, Taras Pozur, Ihor Lysko, Serhii Nechyporuk, Maksym Harbuz, and dental technician Bohdan Lysko joined the "Dentists' Battalion." Volunteer and entrepreneur Oleksandr Chemeryskyi also joined the team.

"With friends and colleagues with whom we studied together, we started to think about how to help our soldiers. After all, we are not military but want to contribute — at least money or products. Our friend Ivan Maksymovych then offered: 'Let's treat their teeth.'

"This is how the idea of creating a mobile dental office came up. We collected money and bought a trailer — a kind of house on wheels. Then we installed the necessary equipment. Ivan had a system, I had an x-ray, and the guys brought tools. We bought some extra things together," said Oleksandr Humeniuk.

The doctors have set up their mobile dental office for about three months.

"At the end of February, we made our first trip towards Sloviansk [in Ukraine's east]. After that, we were in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, for about a month. When it became dangerous there, we returned to Sloviansk again," the doctor said.

"We cooperated with a volunteer organization from Khmelnytskyi because you can't go to the front line that easily," Oleksandr added. "They found a military unit ready to receive us and provide more or less safe conditions. We arrive there and contact mainly with a group of medics attached to each battalion. They select patients for us, and we treat them for free."

At first, only the "Dentists' Battalion" doctors went to the front line. Later, they published an announcement on Facebook, to which other colleagues responded. Dentists from four regions are now participating in the project: Lviv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Vinnytsia.

"The wagon stays on the front line. We close it and leave it on the territory of one of the military units. We transport a trailer with a tow bar to other positions if necessary," Oleksandr Humeniuk explained.

Doctors usually come there in their vehicles. They hand over the keys to the wagon to each other in Vinnytsia.

"We are also making a list of materials that we must bring. We buy them. We already have sponsors who also help. These are caring people and those with whom we cooperate in our work. Recently, I had a seminar because I teach courses for doctors, and the organizers of this event donated 20% of the money received to our charity project," Oleksandr added.

Photo: Oleksandr Humeniuk

During the work of the "Dentists' Battalion," doctors went to the war zone eight times.

"When we arrive, the defenders' first reaction is a surprise. They don't believe the doctors came to them of their own free will. They often ask which ministry we are from — defense or health," says the doctor. "We jokingly reply that we are from the 'Ministry of Volunteers.' They are happy that we were not afraid to come to them and provide high-quality care. They feel supported from the rear." After treatment, the defenders are given patriotic keychains made by children.

The most frequent procedures, the doctor says, are fillings and tooth extractions. "I am pleased that our military personnel are very good people and have higher education. It is enjoyable to communicate with them. We didn't have very advanced cases. Of course, soldiers turn to us with severe pain. In such cases, we quickly help them," the dentist emphasized.