Feige’s family miraculously arrived in Israel from war torn Ukraine on March 9th, 2022. Living in Uman, the family was hoping to be able to ride out the storm, as Mrs. G (name shortened for patient anonymity) is nine months pregnant. Once the Russians invaded and bombs hit just two hundred meters from their home, the family felt they couldn’t wait any longer. The rabbi of their community arranged transport for the parents and their two children ages two and four, and the family took their place on the back of a truck. The driver made a sudden stop sending the very pregnant Mrs. G flying. She refused to be taken to a hospital, fearing rabid antisemitism in the area. She got a few stitches on her forehead and continued the trek with her family. The family managed to cross over to Hungary and arrived in Israel after a harrowing journey.
Feige, aged four, suffered from so much oral pain, that the family managed to get her dental first aid just before the military incursion began. Unfortunately, this not only failed to alleviate the problem but created an additional trauma for the child. Upon landing in Israel, one of the first things this family searched for was dental care for Feige. A family helping out the Gs found the DVI clinic online, and they received an appointment within twenty four hours of reaching out. This was critical since the child was unable to eat any solid foods for three weeks as a result of her situation. After being examined by Dr. Petel, DVI’s medical director who does all initial examinations, and a full set of X-rays, the extent of her dental needs became apparent. In addition to multiple cavities, Feige needs a number of extractions, crowns, a root canal which was done at the first visit to alleviate the source of her pain and ultimately the application of sealants and an oral hygiene program; in addition, in became apparent that Feige would only comply with treatment (without sedation) with a pediatric dentist. Fortunately, DVI had multiple pediatric dentists on hand. Mrs. G could not express her appreciation in words, and their escort was so impressed with the child-friendly approach and quality of care that she wished her own children could be treated here.
