On Saturday February 13th registered dental hygienists across Ontario united in a community appreciation event dubbed “Gift From The Heart”.
They opened their clinics to provide oral health care free of charge to anyone who requested an appointment.
The program was founded in 2009 by Bev Woods, a dental hygienist from eastern Ontario who saw an opportunity to assist those who don't have the benefit of dental insurance, or can't otherwise afford dental care.
In Meaford, Kelly-Ann MacKnight owner of Great Smile Dental Hygiene Services on Collingwood Street offered free teeth cleaning to children in the community.
MacKnight chose to set up her clinic in June of last year in order to offer an alternative to the conventional dentist office.
“The average person in Grey-Bruce doesn't have dental coverage,” she told The Independent, “I can offer my services at an affordable price.”
In fact she says that her rates for the services that she offers are typically 30 percent lower than visiting a traditional dentist, and because she also offers flexible hours and a mobile option, she is able to make dental hygiene services accessible to even more people.
Her clinic and its services also qualify for most dental insurance plans.
After changes to provincial legislation in 2007, a growing number of dental hygienists have been opening independent clinics. The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario has given approval to more than 2,200 dental hygienists to self initiate and offer their services to the public.
Among the services offered at Great Smile Dental Hygiene Services are teeth cleaning and polishing, dental sealants, oral hygiene instruction, nutritional counselling and in-office teeth bleaching.
The clinic has been working to grow their client base, and MacKnight has been pleased with the progress.
“It has been slow but sure,” she said, “The referrals are starting to come, and people are hearing about us.”
The Gift From The Heart program presented MacKnight with an opportunity to give back to the community that has been supportive of her new business.
MacKnight managed to make the Gift From The Heart event a true community effort by engaging local business sponsors, and volunteers.
The day became more than a chance to offer free dental cleanings, as she turned the event into a party of sorts for anyone who stopped by.
Bill's Valu-mart provided hot dogs, New Orleans Pizza offered pizza for the event, hot chocolate was on hand from Tim Horton's, and the air in the clinic was filled with aroma from a popcorn machine provided by Johnson & Robertson. Other sponsors of the event included Solitudes Day Spa, Wes Cann Graphics, and support was also offered from the Meaford & District Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to assistance from her family, MacKnight had the benefit of help from volunteers Victoria Wilson, Cassie Wilson, Marie Johnson, and Derek Trask.
“The response has been overwhelming from the community and the support from local business has been amazing,” beamed MacKnight.
More than 15 children were expected to benefit from the free dental cleanings on Saturday.
For more information about the Great Smile Dental Hygiene clinic, you can call 519-270-9405.
