Dental treatment too expensive

Readers says the high cost of dental treatment prevents many from regular check-ups. Other topics: UAE's progress, dhow safety, animal cruelty, Suez Canal

Readers say many people cannot afford dental treatment because it is prohibitively expensive. Lee Hoagland / The National

It's sad that more than half of the adult population is missing teeth because of gum disease (Tooth loss 'epidemic' threatens the UAE, August 5). This is one of the reasons why insurance companies do not want to fully cover this segment. So many can't afford treatment. Being a dentist, I feel sad that we can't offer prevention to even some Emirati children.

Suhaila Al Bahlani, Abu Dhabi

People have to suffer also because dental treatment is extremely expensive.

Maryam Mihalache, Abu Dhabi

The world needs to know more about the UAE

The story Why we have to smash a few workforce stereotypes (August 6) was interesting. I live in the US and I know that there are misconceptions about the skills Emiratis have.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know about the progress the country has made. In terms of health care and technology, the country has made great strides. My 10-year-old came across an information on the Smart Palm. It’s awesome.

Everyone he showed it to was amazed. His teacher was surprised to know that it was made in the UAE. She had no idea you were into such technology.

The average person here doesn’t even know that the UAE has a space programme, or that it has American hospital affiliations such as Cleveland Clinic.

Perhaps the country needs a more aggressive public-relations campaign.

Sussanne Cherrie, US

Dhows can catch fire easily

There has been a spate of fires involving dhows and other marine craft. This could be one of the reasons why the owners can't get insurance (Family's income left in ashes after dhow destroyed in Ajman blaze, August 5). Dhows are made of wood and carry combustible material on board with no fire suppression systems. This makes them vulnerable to fires.

First, it’s important for dhow operators to consider fire prevention systems. Second, I would suggest that the fishing association, in partnership with civil defence, embark on a fire prevention education programme for all its members, as well as periodic inspection.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Animals victim of human greed

The killing of Cecil the Lion by Walter Palmer, a dentist, and then a giraffe by Sabrina Castigelli, a university accountant, is appalling (American dentist says Zimbabwe guides didn't tell him lion was protected, July 30).

By displaying the carcasses as trophies, they have shown scant regard to a world where several species are becoming extinct due to human greed.

The suspension of the transportation of animal carcasses by America’s Delta airline was perhaps the best action against this abuse.

AR Modak, Johannesburg

Cool summer in Sharjah

It's good to hear that Sharjah residents are not having to bear power disruptions despite increased demand in summer (Power stays on during hot summer in Sharjah, August 4). I thank the emirate's electricity authority for making our stay here at this time a pleasant experience.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Egypt can utilise own resources

This aim of the new Suez Canal project (Suez Canal project is just the beginning, August 6) should mainly be to improve the world economy by reducing passage time and fees. Egypt will get its share from the increased traffic volume and customer satisfaction. Delays and distraction in projects along the canal, just to employ people, will not help. Hopefully all Egyptians will benefit from these projects.

Name withheld by request