From Drop Site News · Mohanad El-Hemrawi · · 2m
Dental Crisis in Gaza
Gaza dentists face impossible choices as dental supplies remain blocked by Israel.
In brief
Gaza dentists face impossible choices as dental supplies remain blocked by Israel. Gaza's dental care system has collapsed due to Israeli military strikes and a siege blocking medical supplies, forcing patients to choose between unaffordable treatment or tooth extraction. Originally reported by Drop Site News.
Nour Abo Shamala's tooth pain
Nour Abo Shamala, 22, endures chronic tooth pain for seven months after a dentist told her root canal treatment would cost 300 shekels.
“I can’t pay 300 shekels, and if I have them, it would go to things that matter more”
Tooth extraction as last resort
Patients in Gaza face extraction for 50 shekels when root canal treatment costs 300 shekels, with no affordable alternatives.
“I’m a girl. Imagine me without a front tooth. How would I laugh or talk to people?”
Dental supplies blocked
Israeli military strikes have destroyed 80 percent of Gaza's dental clinics, killing over 100 dentists since October 2023.
“They claim these are dual-use materials”
Price surges
A syringe of resin for fillings now costs 1,200 shekels (1,500% increase) after previously costing 70 to 80 shekels.
“Root canal treatment, which cost 70 to 150 shekels before the genocide, now runs 500 to 700 shekels”
Dentists' struggle
Dr. Osama Jaber Al-Shanti runs one of Gaza's few remaining clinics, providing fillings and extractions but stopping implants due to supply shortages.
“The moment supplies enter, the first thing I will do is message all my patients and drop my prices immediately”
Children's dental crisis
Over 90 percent of Gaza's children have untreated dental decay due to malnutrition and lack of access to dentists.
“Most of the children in Gaza are not examined at all”
Dental clinic repairs
Dr. Al-Shanti repaired a dentist chair from rubble after Israeli strikes destroyed two of his previous clinics.
“The repairs cost Al-Shanti more than a new unit would have with spare parts also skyrocketing in price”
Tooth extraction dilemma
Ahmed Abo Dan, 34, chose extraction for 30 shekels after root canal treatment cost 450 shekels, borrowing money from a friend.
“I’m displaced and can barely scrape together the price of a bag of bread for my children”
Dental supplies blocked
Gaza's dental supplies have been blocked since October 2023, with dentists demanding entry through the Red Cross.
“They claim these are dual-use materials”
Dental clinic closures
Over 90 percent of Gaza's dentists have closed clinics due to supply shortages, with some planning to shut down entirely.
“About 90 percent of her patients now ask to have the tooth pulled rather than to receive treatment”
Dental costs
A single tooth extraction now costs 50 shekels, while root canal treatment costs 500 to 700 shekels, up from 70 to 150 shekels before the genocide.
“Light-cured fillings, for example, have disappeared from the market”
Dental clinic operations
Dr. Al-Shanti's clinic operates with minimal supplies, providing basic treatments but no implants or dentures due to shortages.
“The clinic has none of the sharp anesthetic smell that usually permeates dental offices”
Dental crisis impact
Patients in Gaza face severe dental pain and limited options, with many choosing extraction to avoid unaffordable treatment.
“War has made us pull out our teeth just to live”
Dental future
Dentists in Gaza hope for supply entry to lower prices, but Israel's siege continues to block medical supplies.
“The moment supplies enter, the first thing I will do is message all my patients and drop my prices immediately”
What matters most
Gaza's dental care system has collapsed due to Israeli military strikes and a siege blocking medical supplies, forcing patients to choose between unaffordable treatment or tooth extraction.
