Zammit M
Goose Bay, Newfoundland, Canada.
Arctic Med Res. 1991;Suppl:672-4.
The delivery of a dental service to 4,000 people by 2-3 dentists, appears straight forward, in theory. It proves to be a different story in reality. Having prior knowledge of these problems, may be of help to dentists who wish to work here. One must experience the situation for oneself, however. There are certainly a "more than normal" amount of problems to confront on a daily basis. Accommodation and travel arrangements, seem to be the most pressing issues which need improvement. The usual work span of a dentist is between one and three years. The amount of work done by each dentist can vary on a daily basis. Native traditions can be such that, patients do not show up at the dental clinic until too late. Violence, suicides, and alcohol or solvent and drug abuse, as is being seen today, can "burn out" any health worker. Equipment needs to be upgraded in some of the Stations, like Hopedale and Davis Inlet. Salaries need revising.
理论上，两三名牙医为4000人提供牙科服务似乎很简单。但在现实中情况却大不相同。事先了解这些问题，可能会对希望在此工作的牙医有所帮助。然而，一个人必须亲自体验这种情况。每天肯定要面对“比平常更多”的问题。住宿和旅行安排似乎是最紧迫需要改善的问题。牙医的通常工作期限是一到三年。每位牙医每天的工作量可能会有所不同。当地的传统可能导致患者直到很晚才到牙科诊所。如今出现的暴力、自杀以及酗酒、滥用溶剂和药物等问题，会让任何医护人员感到“疲惫不堪”。霍普代尔和戴维斯因莱特等一些工作站的设备需要升级。薪资也需要调整。
