by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Roberto Di Lenarda, Director of the Clinica di Chirurgia Maxillo Facciale e Odontostomatologia at Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI) and professor at the University of Trieste; Enrico Trevisi — Bishop of the Diocese of Trieste, who presided over the inauguration ceremony.
Caritas Diocesana di Trieste, in partnership with Donk Humanitarian Medicine ODV and the Clinica di Chirurgia Maxillo Facciale e Odontostomatologia of ASUGI, inaugurated Wednesday morning, 11 March, the “Lidia Simoni” dental clinic on via dell’Istria 71.
The clinic is located within the Casa di Accoglienza “Teresiano” and will offer free dental services to economically vulnerable individuals. Dental care will be provided by volunteer dentists affiliated with Donk Humanitarian Medicine ODV, ensuring continuity of service.
The clinic aims to serve patients including minors aged 15 and older without ticket exemptions, individuals with an ISEE above €15,000 who are unable to cover healthcare co-payment costs, and those awaiting treatment through public social dentistry services.
Services offered include oral diagnosis and prevention, professional dental hygiene, conservative dentistry, endodontics, and oral surgery procedures such as tooth extractions.
According to the ISTAT Annual Report 2025, approximately one in ten Italians forgoes specialist visits—including dental care—due to waiting times and costs. The Caritas Italiana Statistical Report 2025 indicates that 15.7 percent of people assisted by Caritas experience health vulnerability, while 9.9 percent of all health-related interventions within the Caritas network involve dental care.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Trieste, Monsignor Enrico Trevisi. Professor Roberto Di Lenarda, director of the ASUGI Maxillofacial and Odontostomatology Clinic, confirmed his personal commitment to volunteer at the clinic and expressed hope that colleagues would follow his example.
Dentists interested in volunteering are invited to contact Donk Humanitarian Medicine ODV (Codice Fiscale: 90133540329).
