Free dental clinic brings smiles to Richmond seniors
Twenty five seniors had a reason to smile after taking part in the Seniors’ Free Dental Clinic at Richmond Hospital last weekend, including on person who had not seen a dentist for 30 years!
The clinic, organized by the Dental Mission Project, brought together UBC Faculty of Dentistry students, local dentists and denturists as well as volunteers from VCH Richmond and Volunteer Richmond to provide free dental care to Richmond Seniors who were in dire need of care. The students, dentists and volunteers put in a full day and only stopped for a brief refuel of food that was generously provided by Sodexo.
The Rotunda at Richmond Hospital began to buzz with activity at 8 am with set up looking much like a MASH unit going up. Everyone pitched in and by 9 am the first clients were in the chairs and work was underway. The dentists and UBC Dental and Hygiene students worked through to 5 pm until the last client was completed and left smiling.
Throughout the day the students and dentists worked side by side providing compassionate and beneficial dental care to very grateful clients. The feedback from the clients was overwhelmingly positive and their appreciation was evident:
“Everyone was nice, including volunteers – experience was very good. Treatment at each step was explained to me”
“This was excellent, I feel like a million, I am so very grateful and appreciative”
“Very personable students, I felt safe and secure throughout.”
“I have not seen a dentist for 30 years, this was needed and appreciated, thank you”.
The clinic came about as a result of discussions within an Integrated Primary and Community Care (IPCC) working group. IPCC is a province wide initiative to better link a person’s primary care provider (family doctor) with the care provided by a Health Authority in order to improve health outcomes. One of the IPCC working groups in Richmond has been meeting to develop resources for GP’s so they can better access community based resources and services for seniors in Richmond. The working group identified that dental care was a great need but not easily accessed for many seniors. After contacting Dr. Doug Nielson, of the Dental Mission Project, and the idea of a free dental day for seniors became a reality.
The Dental Mission Project Society was founded by Dr. Doug Nielson and his wife Susan with the help of family, friends, Milan & Maureen Ilich Foundation, Patterson Dental and Steveston Rotary Club. They supply dental equipment and supplies to local dental teams to use in volunteer clinics throughout the world.
