Written by Hsiu-Ling Wu, Lamiya Lin | Jordan
On August 30, 2024, a dental mission in the heart of Ramtha, Jordan, brought much-needed relief to Syrian refugees suffering from untreated dental conditions. Tzu Chi’s medical team and volunteers in Jordan set up a mobile dental clinic at Um Kathoum Elementary School.
From the early hours, refugees lined up, waiting for the care they desperately needed. Among them were two brothers who had suffered dental pain for years. Their journey to this moment would be one of hope, compassion, and healing.
A Network of Care: Volunteers and Dentists Unite
Tzu Chi Jordan, recognizing the barriers that Syrian refugees face in accessing healthcare, regularly organizes free medical clinics. On this particular day, a team of 35 volunteers, led by Dr. Amjad Othman, provided dental care to 95 patients in the Ramtha area. The volunteers included Syrian refugees Asmahan Almasri and Elham Aljawabrah, alongside students and volunteers from Amman.
Patients who had pre-registered for the clinic received thorough examinations. After providing basic screening tests, volunteers ushered them to the next stage of care. Dr. Amjad performed initial evaluations before referring patients to the dental team for treatments like fillings, extractions, and more complex procedures.
For those requiring follow-up care, Tzu Chi arranged free treatments at Dr. Amjad's clinic in Amman. The mission went beyond immediate treatments and consultation, offering long-term solutions such as full dentures for those in need.
Transforming Lives: A Mother’s Relief
“I came for a filling and to have a molar extracted. The doctors were so kind,” 32-year-old Syrian mother, Maram Yousef Dagrani shared gratefully. After just an hour of treatment, her smile had been restored, and the source of her pain was finally gone. The pharmacist, Heba Dahdal, carefully explained the medications Maram would need, making sure she left with both relief and peace of mind.
A Special Case: Two Brothers No Longer in Pain
In the clinic’s waiting area, two brothers stood out. Both had developmental disabilities and had been suffering from severe dental issues for years. Their mother, Awatef Ahmad Al Masri, explained that for the past two years, her sons had cried in pain almost every night. With no access to proper pain relief and unable to afford the costly general anesthesia required for their treatment, she had felt hopeless.
Due to their disabilities, both brothers are unable to sit still for traditional dental care. The situation required a more specialized approach, and the volunteers understood the urgency. After careful evaluation, Tzu Chi arranged for the brothers to receive treatment under general anesthesia at Kindi Hospital in Amman.
On September 5, just days after the clinic, the team prepared the brothers for surgery. Dr. Amjad reassured the elder brother, Qusai, as the anesthesia took effect. "Are you feeling sleepy?" he asked gently with care, and moments later, Qusai drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
A Mother’s Gratitude and a New Beginning
Once the surgery was complete, Dr. Amjad smiled as shared the good news with Qusai’s mother. “We’ve cleaned his teeth, treated the decay, and even filled a cavity.” The same meticulous care was given to the younger brother, Jaber, as the team worked diligently to ensure both brothers would no longer be tormented by pain.
For Awatef , this was nothing short of a miracle. After years of struggling to find help for her sons, she finally saw them receive the care they so desperately needed. “You brought us to the hospital and relieved my sons’ suffering. Thank you,” she tearfully expressed, overwhelmed with gratitude toward Tzu Chi, Dr. Amjad, and the entire medical team.
Empathy in Action: The Power of Humanitarian Aid
The brothers’ story is just one of many examples of how Tzu Chi’s humanitarian efforts are making a profound impact on the lives of refugees. The team’s commitment to providing compassionate, efficient care to those in need has earned them admiration across Jordan and beyond.
Dr. Amjad, reflecting on his experiences with Tzu Chi, spoke with heartfelt appreciation. “To see patients regain their health is the dream of every doctor. Tzu Chi is a rare organization—efficient, organized, and deeply humanitarian.”
For two consecutive years, Dr. Amjad and his wife have traveled to Taiwan to participate in the annual conference for TIMA (Tzu Chi International Medical Association) drawing inspiration from the organization's mission of compassion and service. This year, four young dentists joined him, eager to learn from Tzu Chi’s unique approach and bring those lessons back to Jordan. Together, they hope to continue growing the TIMA Jordan, helping even more people in need.
