Resilience amid crisis
All 11 of the city's clinics were forced to close after the tremor cut water supplies, but the Wajima Dental Association says five have now reopened with the help of local officials among others.
The Kado Dental Clinic is one of them. It now operates once every two days with people bringing portable tanks of water.
The clinic opened its doors again on February 26 and saw a flow of people who have been waiting weeks for treatment. Some of them, living in evacuation centers with no access to running water, have developed gum disease.
"I know that people are anxious when there's no dentist available," says clinic director Kado Daisuke. "And there are some local dentists who can't provide treatment, so I hope that we can support them during this emergency."
A duty to the community
The clinic's employees are also struggling with the effects of the disaster.
"Most are not living in fit conditions," says Kado. "Their houses have been damaged and many have no running water, but they are trying their best to fulfill their duties so we are grateful for their help."
Kado says he feels a responsibility to the community to see patients. "I believe that if there is even one person in need, it is the right choice to open the clinic, even if it is by forcing myself because this is the kind of work that I do."
