{"id":44830,"date":"2023-07-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/?p=44830"},"modified":"2023-07-18T19:10:46","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T11:10:46","slug":"special-patients-special-dentists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/?p=44830","title":{"rendered":"Special Patients, Special Dentists"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"44830\" class=\"elementor elementor-44830\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-34579938 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"34579938\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7c276586\" data-id=\"7c276586\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6dfb66e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6dfb66e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.8.1 - 13-11-2022 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#818a91;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#818a91;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><strong>By Hong Jing-jing<\/strong><br \/>Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting<br \/>Photos by Hsiao Yiu-hwa<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5d8de865 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5d8de865\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-44d06bb\" data-id=\"44d06bb\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54e467f6 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"54e467f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.8.1 - 13-11-2022 *\/\n.elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#2c2c2c;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:-webkit-box;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider-separator{display:-webkit-box;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:0;direction:ltr}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator{-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:before{display:block;content:\"\";border-bottom:0;-webkit-box-flex:1;-ms-flex-positive:1;flex-grow:1;border-top:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{-webkit-box-flex:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-negative:100;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider__element{margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{-webkit-box-flex:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-negative:100;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider__element{margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text):not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon) .elementor-divider-separator{border-top:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern{--divider-border-style:none}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern.elementor-widget-divider--view-line .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not([class*=elementor-widget-divider--view]) .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3b38a33a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3b38a33a\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-308c91b\" data-id=\"308c91b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18f5941e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"18f5941e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation_mobile&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><em>Volunteers from all over Taiwan visit three nursing institutions in Taitung twice a year to provide dental care to people with special needs, addressing the difficulties these individuals face in seeking medical treatment.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-57bb03ab elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"57bb03ab\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7f40d7c2\" data-id=\"7f40d7c2\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74b6446a elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"74b6446a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1aace645 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1aace645\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-35b634eb\" data-id=\"35b634eb\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50bb31ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"50bb31ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.8.1 - 13-11-2022 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"934\" src=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00795-\u54f2\u4fee.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00795-\u54f2\u4fee.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00795-\u54f2\u4fee-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00795-\u54f2\u4fee-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00795-\u54f2\u4fee-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00795-\u54f2\u4fee-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00795-\u54f2\u4fee-330x220.jpg 330w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c01227c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5c01227c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dentists at a Tzu Chi free clinic for special needs patients carefully provide treatment, using flashlights and headlamps for illumination.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-499ba0e0 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"499ba0e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-42611f07 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"42611f07\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1e4523cf\" data-id=\"1e4523cf\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35fc3b1e elementor-drop-cap-yes elementor-drop-cap-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35fc3b1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;drop_cap&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cMom is here. The doctors will be done soon; don\u2019t exert yourself. You\u2019re going to become a handsome guy!\u201d reassured Mrs. Chen, to her son Tai-you. Mrs. Chen and her husband make a weekly visit to a care facility run by the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation (GSWF) to see their son. This day\u2019s visit, however, was a special one.<br \/>Seven years ago, Tai-you was in a motorcycle accident that left him in a vegetative state. Afterwards, his parents sought help from several dental clinics to help care for his teeth. Unfortunately, doctors always politely declined to treat him, due to his inability to respond and his dependence on a ventilator connected through a tracheostomy tube. But that changed in 2022 when he was transferred to the GSWF facility. Regular dental care there is provided by the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA). It wasn\u2019t long before Tai-you\u2019s dark and yellow teeth were clean and white again.<br \/>\u201cTai-you, blink your eyes twice to express your gratitude to the doctors,\u201d Mr. Chen said to his son. November of last year marked the first time Tai-you had had a dental cleaning since the accident, and Mr. Chen had been eagerly looking forward to meeting the Tzu Chi team. Finally, on this day, his wish was fulfilled. \u201cSeeing so many people serving Tai-you today is truly unexpected. I\u2019m immensely grateful to have such an exceptional team care for my son!\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-454d2379 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"454d2379\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6251fe01\" data-id=\"6251fe01\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3cd702a0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3cd702a0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><strong>Dental calculus<\/strong><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a3dfb5d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3a3dfb5d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>On May 20 and 21, 2023, a total of 213 TIMA healthcare professionals and support volunteers from all over Taiwan provided dental care, as well as ENT and surgical treatment, to elderly people in need, patients in vegetative states, and individuals with physical and mental disabilities. The services were conducted at three institutions in Taitung, southeastern Taiwan: the Taitung Ren\u2019ai Senior Citizens\u2019 Home, the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation\u2019s Taitung branch, and the Shenxiu Nursing Center (affiliated with the Malan Veterans Home). The free medical events over the two days served approximately 300 patient visits.<\/p><p>Dental patients with special needs require specialized clinical care. As an example, the entry of water into the airway during the dental cleaning procedure can cause respiratory obstruction and reduce blood oxygen levels, so extra attention and monitoring is required by a whole team. During TIMA\u2019s free clinics, each patient is typically attended by two dentists who provide mutual support. They are assisted by two or three nurses or specially trained dental assistants, who are responsible for suctioning water from the patient\u2019s mouth and passing instruments. At the foot of the bed, a nurse or doctor monitors the patient\u2019s blood oxygen level using an oximeter. A volunteer with expertise in plumbing and electricity is also on standby to ensure the proper functioning of equipment. Furthermore, a doctor conducts regular rounds to promptly respond to emergencies. Everyone works together and implements multiple safeguards to ensure that treatments are carried out with the utmost safety.<\/p><p>TIMA\u2019s dental services for people with special needs started in 2008. Dr. Li Yi-bang (\u674e\u5f5d\u90a6), the director of Special Needs Dentistry at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, eastern Taiwan, went to a dental university in Japan in 2007 to study home-based oral care. The following year, the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation\u2019s Taichung branch in central Taiwan reached out to TIMA. They expressed concerns about the lack of dental care available to their residents in vegetative states. In response, TIMA members in central Taiwan organized the first-ever dental care event for such individuals. Dr. Li Yi-bang, along with over ten volunteers, provided dental cleaning and treatment for 30 patients in vegetative states.<\/p><p>\u201cThe first time I volunteered at a dental clinic for people in vegetative states was an emotional experience. It brought tears to my eyes,\u201d Dr. Li recalled. \u201cWitnessing the profound suffering these individuals endured, it felt as if their souls were confined within a prison.\u201d He added that although these patients can\u2019t express their dental pain, he recognizes the importance of TIMA\u2019s assistance and the potential difference they could make.<\/p><p>Dr. Li continued, \u201cIt took more than an hour to thoroughly clean each person\u2019s teeth. Their dental calculus was quite severe; sometimes it required multiple sessions to completely remove it. There were also many cases of tooth decay and periodontal disease.\u201d He emphasized that tooth decay and periodontal disease can in turn pose risks for other diseases, such as aspiration pneumonia. The periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart or causing brain infections or abscesses. It can also contribute to vascular inflammation and blockage, increasing the likelihood of stroke. It\u2019s vital not to overlook the importance of proper oral care.<\/p><p>Before performing any procedure on an individual in a vegetative state, Dr. Li takes the time to explain what he is going to do. He also adds, \u201cDental cleaning may cause some discomfort. I apologize for any pain. Please bear with it for a moment.\u201d He stressed the importance of experience when it comes to providing dental care to such patients. One important aspect is quickly suctioning dental calculus and cleaning water to prevent overflow from the oral cavity. Dr. Li typically pauses the cleaning process after silently counting to around ten or 20 while he cleans to ensure proper control. Another crucial consideration is the positioning of the bed, which should be inclined at an angle of about 40 to 60 degrees. Additionally, an extra pillow is placed behind the neck to create a bend in the airway. This ensures that the patient\u2019s head is in the optimal position for treatment. If the head is in the wrong position, water can easily pass through the airway and enter the lungs.<\/p><p>When caring for patients in such conditions, dentists must adapt their posture, often bending and sometimes even stooping over the bed to accommodate them. The positions can eventually result in discomfort and stiffness in the neck and waist, requiring the use of back support during treatments. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, every dentist approaches their work with joy and enthusiasm. They volunteer for the free clinics repeatedly, even though it\u2019s on their own time and at their own expense.<\/p><p>TIMA members have been visiting the Taichung branch of the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation every three months for 15 years, since 2008. Their services have expanded to include GSWF branches in Miaoli, Nantou, Hsinchu, Taipei, Keelung, New Taipei, and Taitung. When individuals in vegetative states experience toothaches or gum inflammation, they may drool constantly. After receiving a dental cleaning, their mouths are less likely to suffer from inflammation or unpleasant odors. The air inside the care facilities actually becomes fresher, without lingering smells. Furthermore, there is a reduction in oral bacteria, resulting in fewer hospitalizations for pneumonia among the residents, thereby alleviating the workload of healthcare workers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-68f1dfe0 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"68f1dfe0\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-11b61279\" data-id=\"11b61279\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-282ea0ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"282ea0ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"934\" src=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00312-\u54f2\u4fee.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00312-\u54f2\u4fee.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00312-\u54f2\u4fee-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00312-\u54f2\u4fee-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00312-\u54f2\u4fee-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00312-\u54f2\u4fee-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/DSC00312-\u54f2\u4fee-330x220.jpg 330w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a43a336 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7a43a336\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Mr. and Mrs. Chen (standing in the rear) observe as TIMA volunteers prepare to clean their son\u2019s teeth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5dbe6b96 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"5dbe6b96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b4d812e elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b4d812e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-dab1f31\" data-id=\"dab1f31\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-022008d elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"022008d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1461\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/23July-03-Dental-Clinic.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/23July-03-Dental-Clinic.png 1461w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/23July-03-Dental-Clinic-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/23July-03-Dental-Clinic-1024x552.png 1024w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/23July-03-Dental-Clinic-768x414.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1461px) 100vw, 1461px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4308c3b4 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4308c3b4\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-18f2420a\" data-id=\"18f2420a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61ac0fb9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"61ac0fb9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Dedicated volunteers<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40335e06 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"40335e06\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>\u201cIt really hurts when my patients bite, but I understand that they don\u2019t do it on purpose,\u201d said dentist Huang Wen-guo (\u9ec3\u6587\u570b). \u201cIf I were in the same situation, I\u2019d hope that healthcare professionals would make allowances for me.\u201d One elderly lady at the Shenxiu Nursing Center, one of the three locations where TIMA offered free clinics in May in Taitung, kept shouting and refusing to receive treatment, firmly biting into Dr. Huang\u2019s hand, unwilling to let go.<\/p><p>Huang works in the Department of Dentistry at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, northern Taiwan. He has devoted more than 20 years to delivering dental care to individuals with special needs. Half of his patients suffer from mental illnesses, followed by those with physical disabilities. Some individuals with special needs present particular challenges for dentists, even with the assistance of security personnel to restrain them, making it difficult to provide smooth dental treatment.<\/p><p>Dr. Huang shared an anecdote about a patient with bipolar disorder who spent over an hour rambling in his consultation room. An assistant gestured for him to stop, but the patient angrily brushed her hand away. Huang patiently listened and provided advice at appropriate moments. In the end, the patient expressed gratitude, saying, \u201cThank you for listening to me for such a long time. I no longer have the desire to kill that person.\u201d<\/p><p>Another patient came to bid farewell, revealing that he had refrained from eating for seven days. He thanked Dr. Huang for the years of care that had relieved him of toothaches. Huang quickly informed a social worker of the patient\u2019s situation while offering solace to the patient and presenting him with a gift given to him by Tzu Chi volunteers. To everyone\u2019s surprise, the patient knelt down and repeatedly thanked Huang. Four days later, during a follow-up visit, the patient said to Huang, \u201cMy mood has improved.\u201d<\/p><p>When he was growing up, Huang\u2019s father had consistently advised him to take care of his family and extend help to others when he had the ability. He kept his father\u2019s words firmly in mind and committed himself to assisting others with his medical expertise. But Huang acknowledged, \u201cI\u2019m no longer young. Before I reach a point where I can no longer work, I hope to see more younger individuals join this field to carry on the torch.\u201d This was his greatest concern.<\/p><p>Patients with special needs pose challenges in providing treatment. Dentists who specialize in treating them often face lower incomes and higher medical risks. Consequently, new dentists in this area of expertise often become discouraged and quit within three months. Huang doesn\u2019t mind the hard work but hopes for a continuous influx of young professionals in the field, whether in regular clinics or free clinics.<\/p><p>Li Zi-ying (\u674e\u59ff\u7469) was a member of the Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (TCA) when she studied at Kaohsiung Medical University in southern Taiwan. When she graduated and entered dental training, she faced a dilemma in choosing which dental specialty to pursue. But then, a vivid scene suddenly flashed in her mind: during her fifth-year internship, she witnessed Dr. Huang Chun-de (\u9ec3\u7d14\u5fb7), a pioneer in special needs dentistry in Taiwan, holding the hand of a disabled patient and singing to him. This scene reminded her of her own experiences accompanying patients as a volunteer for TCA. \u201cI aspired to live a purposeful life, so I made the decision to choose pediatric and special needs dentistry,\u201d she explained.<\/p><p>Li began participating in TIMA free clinics in 2017. The following year, she invited Huang Zi-min (\u9ec3\u5b50\u65fb), a third-year dental student at her alma mater, to join as a dental assistant in TIMA\u2019s free clinics in Taitung. Huang later graduated and became a dentist herself. She participated as a full dentist for the first time in TIMA\u2019s free clinics in Taitung last year.<\/p><p>Li remembered the words of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, who had once told her, \u201cInviting young people to participate in our free clinics is not as difficult as it may seem.\u201d Motivated by these words, Li gathered her courage and, together with Liao Guan-xuan (\u5ed6\u5b98\u7444), a fellow dental alumnus, organized a training event for youth medical volunteers at their alma mater earlier this year. In addition to teaching courses on clinical skills and the delivery of oral health education, they invited the participants to serve at TIMA free clinics. Five attendees volunteered at the free clinics held in Taitung this time.<\/p><p>Li said that young people are pure and passionate, echoing the sentiments of renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, who stated that when a group of young people come together, they have the power to change the world. Li aspired to be a strong pillar of support for this transformative power.<\/p><p>Dr. Chen Qing-jia (\u9673\u6e05\u5bb6), a resident of Taitung, had experience providing dental care to special needs patients in a nursing home for about four years before participating in a TIMA free clinic for the first time in November 2020. He was aware of the presence of HIV\/AIDS patients in the facility where they were offering dental services, but remained fearless, stating, \u201cAs long as I take proper precautions, there is no need to fear. Everyone else [in our team] is doing it, and I should, too.\u201d<\/p><p>Due to the pandemic, TIMA was forced to suspend its free medical services for two years. When Dr. Chen rejoined TIMA\u2019s free clinics in November 2022, one of their target groups for services were individuals in vegetative states at the Taitung branch of GSWF. It was Chen\u2019s first time offering services to such people, which naturally made him a bit nervous. Fortunately, Dr. Li Yi-bang shared many valuable clinical techniques with him. Being part of a dedicated medical team working together to care for those in need also brought Chen a sense of peace of mind.<\/p><p>While Chen was cleaning the teeth of a patient at the Taitung branch during the May free clinics this time, the individual suddenly started shedding tears, which startled him. He wasn\u2019t sure if the patient was experiencing pain or if he was moved by the care and love demonstrated by the team. Everyone comforted the patient in a gentle manner, saying, \u201cWe are all here to help you.\u201d<\/p><p>Chen\u2019s wife, Wu Yan-chan (\u5433\u5f65\u87ec), and their son, Chen Dao-yi (\u9673\u9053\u5b9c), volunteered alongside him, serving as assistants. Wu expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to volunteer together with her family. Their son is currently interning at a hospital. Chen hoped that Dao-yi would go beyond merely observing techniques and acquiring experience as an assistant at such events. He wished for him to embrace the spirit of Great Love and integrate it into his lifelong medical career.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-78e8bb elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"78e8bb\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4c464d22\" data-id=\"4c464d22\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60546da8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"60546da8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/20230520JIA_1241\u6797\u5bb6\u5982_A2828103-\u54f2\u4fee.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/20230520JIA_1241\u6797\u5bb6\u5982_A2828103-\u54f2\u4fee.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/20230520JIA_1241\u6797\u5bb6\u5982_A2828103-\u54f2\u4fee-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/20230520JIA_1241\u6797\u5bb6\u5982_A2828103-\u54f2\u4fee-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/20230520JIA_1241\u6797\u5bb6\u5982_A2828103-\u54f2\u4fee-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/20230520JIA_1241\u6797\u5bb6\u5982_A2828103-\u54f2\u4fee-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/tcmonthly.tzuchiculture.org.tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2023\/07\/20230520JIA_1241\u6797\u5bb6\u5982_A2828103-\u54f2\u4fee-330x220.jpg 330w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ba71dd4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1ba71dd4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>At a TIMA free clinic on May 20 at the Shenxiu Nursing Center, dental assistants stand or kneel, offering comforting words to patients or even holding their hands in an attempt to alleviate any fear they might have.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Lin Jia-ru<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-171ad04a elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"171ad04a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1ed76f00 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1ed76f00\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a766efa\" data-id=\"a766efa\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49803bfe elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"49803bfe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><strong>We\u2019ll come back again<\/strong><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36768161 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"36768161\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wang Yu-feng (\u738b\u7389\u9cf3), the director of GSWF\u2019s Taitung branch, recalled the initial visit of TIMA volunteers to her institution in 2016 for a free clinic. More than 40 medical workers and support volunteers came together for the event. Wang was so deeply moved that tears welled up in her eyes. \u201cIt was like witnessing a glimmer of hope.\u201d<\/p><p>She explained that when the Taitung GSWF branch was established in 2014, she had struggled to find oral healthcare resources in the area for her residents. To her surprise, a team from all over Taiwan gathered to provide services to the residents of her institution, despite it being located in the remote area of Taitung. As that first event drew to a close, she grew concerned and asked, \u201cWill there be another visit?\u201d Several doctors, including Xie Jin-long (\u8b1d\u91d1\u9f8d) and Li Yi-bang, reassured her with determination, saying, \u201cWe will definitely return next time!\u201d<\/p><p>TIMA holds special needs dental clinics in Taitung every May and November. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinics had to be temporarily suspended. Nevertheless, the medical team continued to demonstrate care and concern to the institution through messaging apps. On one occasion, after an earthquake struck Taitung, volunteers reached out to the institution and asked, \u201cWas everyone okay after the severe earthquake in Taitung last night?\u201d On other occasions they expressed sentiments such as, \u201cWe miss the director and the patients greatly and are also concerned about the patients\u2019 oral health.\u201d They eagerly awaited the resumption of the free clinics.<\/p><p>The free clinics resumed in November of last year as the pandemic eased. Director Wang said, \u201cWhen I saw the volunteers returning, I couldn\u2019t help but cry. They never forgot about us!\u201d<\/p><p>Dr. Li Yi-bang enjoys singing to patients to help them find emotional relief. He remarked, \u201cSimply singing to individuals in vegetative states can sometimes improve their blood oxygen levels!\u201d Xiao-mai, a young man, suffered a brain injury from a car accident and had been bedridden at GSWF\u2019s Taitung branch for six months before he miraculously regained consciousness. Dr. Li knew that Xiao-mai enjoyed listening to songs by Jay Chou (\u5468\u6770\u502b), a renowned Taiwanese singer, so he dedicated time to practicing the song \u201cRainbow.\u201d As Xiao-mai listened and smiled, Li encouraged him to work hard at rehabilitation, saying, \u201cOnce you can walk with crutches, I will take you to Taichung for some fun!\u201d<\/p><p>\u201cWe had just a dozen people [volunteering] at the beginning, and now we have over 200 people! It truly feels like a miracle!\u201d exclaimed Li Yi-bang. He further expressed that it is because he is in Tzu Chi that he has been able to connect with so many medical professionals and volunteers who share the same values and aspirations. He emphasized the immense satisfaction he derives from working with everyone else to deliver oral healthcare to a large number of individuals simultaneously. \u201cI consider myself incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Tzu Chi family!\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-42c2e0ca elementor-section-full_width elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"42c2e0ca\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-64fd3101\" data-id=\"64fd3101\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-186e4543 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"186e4543\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Volunteers set up pipelines before the start of a free clinic.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30c6439 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"30c6439\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element 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<\/span><span class=\"arrow\">\u00bb<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pmpro_default_level":0,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[911],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Special Patients, Special Dentists - Tzu Chi Bimonthly<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Volunteers from all over Taiwan visit three nursing institutions in Taitung twice a year to provide dental care to people with special needs, addressing the difficulties these individuals face in seeking medical treatment.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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