2014 marks the fourth installment of the Gift from the Heart campaign, which sees dental hygienists offering free dental treatment to clients as a Valentine’s Day gift. Taking place in February, dental hygienists are reaching out to the community and assisting those who can’t afford regular oral care or have a difficult time finding dental hygiene services.
“The event also helps to build awareness about the public’s right to choose their health-care provider and the importance of preventing oral disease for a healthy mouth and healthy body,” said Bev Woods, co-ordinator of the project.
The pro-bono dental care is made possible because of a legislation change in 2007 that allowed dental hygienists to work independently outside of dental clinics. This legislation change has led to an increase in a variety of non-traditional dental clinics and mobile clinics in an attempt to make preventative and restorative oral care more accessible. Over 190 independent practices have sprung up in Ontario since the legislation change.
You can find out more information, as well as a list of dental practices participating in the Gift from the Heart campaign in the press release for the event.
