Community Benefits from Charity Dental Care
Before Dr. Rachel Staples and a group of dentists provided free dental services last year, they thought they were going to serve the poorest in the city. After they finished around $37,000 worth of fillings, cleanings, and tooth extractions at three dental offices, she was surprised by the people who showed up for the free services.
Staples said that they served every sector of Victoria, from street children to people struggling with their drug addiction to single mothers to real estate agents. The dentists did what they were set out to do and that was to treat everyone as equal.
The Dentistry From the Heart program was launched 13 years ago in Florida and has since grown to more than 200 dental practices across North America. The program is first come, first serve and doesn’t discriminate.
The Dentistry from the Heart provides reprieve for people who can’t afford dental services. According to StatsCan, the number of people belonging in the demographic has been on the rise across North America.
Medical costs have been increasing significantly from 1997 to 2009 in Canada. These include insurance premiums, dental care, and prescription drugs. The average low income household spends more than $1,000 each year on optional health care services.
Out of pocket medical expenses increased by 63 percent over the same amount after adjustment for inflation. The average low-income household spent $380 yearly on dental care. Dentistry has become a luxury for most people but it is preventable with proper dental care.
Dentists use the free dental clinic program each year to educate people about proper dental care and why it is important. The Academy Dental held its day of complimentary dental services last April 28. Children and adults were given the choice of a single tooth extraction, cleaning, or single filling. They provided good service to the community.
Complimentary Services Available at 1195 Fort St., and in Sooke at 6689 Sooke Rd. on Monday (April 28) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo by Michael Baltz [Public domain], undefined
