2020, what a year it has been. There is no secret that it has been a different and difficult year for many due to Covid-19. So, is there anything positive to write about still? Yes, of course! In the midst of the storm, rainbows are born. Here are a few things we give thanks for as we come to the end of 2020.
Celebrating Togetherness
For our year end dinner, we gathered together to celebrate the fact that we have one another in the Specialist Dental Group team, and that our family members are safe and healthy.
Being unable to gather together in large groups, we divided the team into smaller groups and dined at different locations across Singapore. Technology allowed the different groups to communicate still. Smaller groups also meant that we had the opportunity to enjoy a cosier dinner filled with conversations. At the end of the day, we are glad to see that everyone had an enjoyable time.
Supporting Migrant Workers
Albeit it was a difficult year, not only our giving did not reduce but we also stepped up our efforts in giving back to the community. We are grateful for the opportunity to donate and support the migrant workers in Singapore.
During the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak in Singapore, many of our migrant workers were infected and had to be isolated. Together with TSD Dental Group, we raised funds to purchase more than 10,000 oral care kits to benefit more than 300,000 teeth. This will help them to ensure that they can continue to care for their oral health during their quarantine.
In addition to that, our annual year end internal donation drive collected a total of $1,530 for the Migrant Workers Assistance Fund (MWAF). These donations will help to provide humanitarian assistance in the form of food, accommodation, medical etc to distressed migrant workers.
Running for Charities
Even though corporate runs were put on hold due to Covid-19, the running did not stop!
We formed teams to participate in a fundraising run that is organised by the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) for MWAF. Teams outperformed the minimum required distance of 45km to raise funds for the migrant workers.
On another occasion, 29 of us took part in the Singtel – Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer. Our group came in ninth out of 192 teams in terms of the highest mileage covered and more than $3,400 were raised for the cancer patients. One of our SDG Fly Ladies, Rochelle, came in 16th spot out of 4066 entries for highest mileage covered by an individual. She gave her best to run more than 200km for the cause.
Sharing of Expertise
We are thankful for the various opportunities to share dental knowledge and expertise with the public and fellow colleagues. Here are some of them:
Dr Daylene Leong, Dental Specialist in Periodontics (Gum Treatment), and Dr Steven Soo, Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics (Cosmetic Dentistry & Teeth Replacement) were featured in Singapore’s Channel 5 Body and Soul. If you missed the episode, you can still watch it here.
Dr Tan Kian Meng, Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics, sharing with fellow colleagues from Prosthodontic Society Singapore on the importance of hygiene and maintenance for denture patients.
Dr Irene Sim, Dental Specialist in Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment), and Dr Tan Kian Meng also went on air with DJ Daniel Martin to share about the management of cracked teeth.
With that, we would like to say a big thank you to all of our patients, family and friends for your continuous support. We pray for the Covid-19 situation to be better as we enter the new year and we wish everyone a better and healthier 2021!
