Dental hygienists provide free oral care services for Valentine's Day

To honour the spirit of Valentine's Day, on February 13 registered dental hygienists across the province will provide oral care services to the public at no cost.

For the second consecutive year, the Gift From the Heart campaign offers a way for dental hygienists to reach out in their community and help members of the public who may be financially unable to receive oral care or have difficultly accessing dental hygiene services.

"It also helps to build awareness about the public's right to choose their health-care provider, and that dental hygienists are primarily concerned with preventing oral disease for a healthy mouth and healthy body," said Bev Woods, co-ordinator of the project and one of the event participants who operates Leading Edge Dental Hygiene, an independent clinic in Astra, Ontario.

"This year's one-day volunteer event has been expanded to include dental hygienists in all practice settings - those working independently and in private practice - so that we can truly make a difference through treatment and public education about the importance of good oral health," adds Ms Woods. For a list of participating dental hygienists, visit www.giftfromtheheart.ca.

Since September 2007 when legislation allowed dental hygienists to provide their services outside the dental office, more than 135 independent dental hygiene practices have opened across Ontario.

"This welcome legislation increases access to affordable and comprehensive dental hygiene care," said Shelley Newton, President of the Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association. "Gift From the Heart goes one step further to make sure more people know about dental hygiene's integral role in the delivery of quality oral care in Ontario."

Source: ONTARIO DENTAL HYGIENISTS' ASSOCIATION