CELEBRITY STYLE SPY: See all the latest celeb photos

A smile a day

By Eleanor Young on Thursday 13 May 2010

Print
Share
Comment

Manrina Rhodes - Marie Claire

How a British dentist turned Cambodian frowns upside down

Thanks to her day job at The London Smile Clinic, cosmetic dentist Dr Manrina Rhode can usually be found perfecting the teeth of the rich and famous. But this spring she swapped her city scrubs for traveling clothes on a self funded mission to Cambodia, where she spend her days treating young, underprivileged children with severe dental problems.

Here, Manrina tells us how she's settled back into London since her trip.

On my first day back I popped on a pair of heels, put on my make up and picked up my favourite handbag. None of these things were relevant during my time in Cambodia, but there were more important things to concentrate on than the speed at which the red sole of my Louboutins disintegrated. It was all about sharing life experiences and appreciating each other.

At home people often label each other. What car you drive or which hotels you stayed in do seem to matter. But in Cambodia, often they have nothing so they don't play that game. There, they wanted to know the real person - it wasn't what was on the outside that mattered.

Looking back at my pictures, I miss the children I met. It's amazing how I only spent such a short time with them, but each one made such an impact.

Today my nurse and I were recalling the cheeky things they said, their emotion filled faces even when they lay awaiting treatment, and their elation when it was over. It was also amazing that despite the language barrier they were able to show such affection - we had fun together.

I've spoken to the dentist at the clinic since my arrival home to check that the initiatives we set up are being enforced. But she tells me the building where the clinic was is being repossessed. They have found new premises, but they are smaller so less children will be seen. She put on a brave front, but I could hear the sadness in her voice.

My time in Cambodia was a truly amazing experience. People often commend me for going out there, and giving up my time and expertise to help these children, but this makes me feel embarrassed. What I did does not deserve praise.

It was a great trip and it felt good to help these children. They really appreciate everything you do and their little faces show so much love in return.

We go on so many holidays and stay in lovely hotels, but it's impossible to see the reality of the country that way. Working with the locals is a great way to meet real people and see how they live. Perhaps not all the experiences are good ones, but they are experiences non-the-less.

I would encourage anyone interested in charity work to visit the clinic in Cambodia. And don't be put off if you think it's all about dental work - it's not. During my stay I met a couple from Australia who had come over to help with the renovations, and they provided so much help. There is something for everyone, so please do get involved.

For more information, visit gcdfund.com.

Words by Eleanor Young, Thursday 13 May 2010

Have your say ...

Add your own comment

I find Dr Rhode's work so inspiring! As a trainee dentist so many people assume I'm just after the money and status that comes with such a profession - in reality I want to do community work with underpriviliged children and disabled people. The idea that I could one day do something like this really reinforces to me that I have made the right decision in my choice of career and that I will be able to make a difference to people's lives.
A fantastic story about a fantastic individual! keep up the good work!
Comment by susan dornan on June 11 21:54

Dr Rhode is such an inspiration! I know she said she didnt want any praise at all, but we must champion these kind caring souls so they can shine a light and become a beacon for the rest of us, setting an example and teaching us that yes, in fact there are more important things to concentrate on than the speed at which the red sole of our Louboutins disintegrates.

Comment by Mike Hunt on March 03 18:50