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Dr Rob Watson has been volunteering as a dentist at our clinic in Allambie Heights on Sydney’s Northern Beaches for over 37 years. That’s a serious commitment for which our Alliance and community are so grateful. For 23 of these years, Rob has also been the clinical coordinator, overseeing our hardworking team of volunteer dentists, dental assistants and hygienists.
For Rob volunteering is such an important and integral part of his life. The reason he’s been doing it for so long is very simply,
“To help clients who don’t have access to general dental care, depending on the severity of their Cerebral Palsy. Giving my time, energy and sharing my expertise is well worth the effort for the sheer satisfaction of people saying thank you and being appreciated, that’s enough.”
Rob followed in his father’s footsteps. Dr Frank Watson also supported Cerebral Palsy Alliance. So, Rob witnessed from a young age the difference that his father’s work made to support people with Cerebral Palsy. Having four children himself, Rob is very aware and grateful of how fortunate his family are to be able to access general dental care.
Rob is such a big advocate of the benefits of volunteering. He has instilled these same values into his children. Three of his children have volunteered with CPA to help clients get out and about and do activities in the community, which they really enjoyed.
Rob juggles his volunteer work at CPA with a full time general dental practice. Rob’s philosophy is “It’s like the old saying, if you want to get something done, ask the people who are really busy.”
It was because of his extensive connections in dentistry, that when the clinic was established, he was able to get all the equipment funded by big dental companies.
Over the years, Rob has been in several different CPA dental clinics such as the McLeod House to the new Allambie building which opened back in 2012. On any given day Rob does general dental work at CPA Allambie and sees clients at Hornsby Hospital who require a general anaesthetic. This is for clients who can’t receive dental procedures while awake, due to the severity of their disability.
Rob encourages any dentist to volunteer their time to help those with Cerebral Palsy that need extra assistance at the dentist.
“It’s a wonderful community to be part of, everyone at CPA plays their part to improve the quality of life for people with CP. From the time clients walk in the door they’re in good hands with experienced people – from those who greet them at reception, to the dentists, therapists and nurses who look after them in the clinic.”
