Over the last 14 years Friends of Chernobyl's Children have brought children from the area of Belarus most affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to Monmouthshire for recuperative visits.

They stay with host families and attend a base in Raglan where they do art, craft and other activities. Lots of outings are organised and one of the most important is the visit to the dentist! Back in 2001 very few of the children had ever had a dental examination and those that had seen a dental surgery were amazed at the hi-tech and painless treatment they received here.

Over the years dental provision in Belarus has improved and many of our current children see a dentist either at school or privately but treatment is variable and the staff at Happy Teeth fulfil a vital role in helping prevent serious problems develop.

As well as having routine and preventative treatment free of charge, the children return home with good quality toothpaste, containing fluoride, new toothbrushes and other goodies.

This year is a special year for Caroline, the dental nurse, who has seen the children for the last 14 years as she will be celebrating 20 years working at the dental practice. She is a dedicated team member who has held many a hand of nervous patients and taught lots of children how to look after their teeth in her role as Oral Health Educator.