The Gift from the Heart is a day set aside for Dental Hygienists all across Canada to educate everyone on the link between oral health and overall health.
It is also a day to demonstrate to Ontario Stakeholders just how many people go without oral health care.
Prior to September 2007, Dental Hygienists were most often employed by dentists in private dental offices. However, a growing number of Dental Hygienists are choosing careers in independent dental hygiene practices including mobile services for long-term care homes. More than 2,200 dental hygienists have received authorization to self-initiate their controlled act of “scaling teeth and root planning, including curetting surrounding tissue,” (Dental Hygiene Act 1991). These changes to the Dental Hygiene Act have increased the public’s access to affordable preventive oral care services by the practitioner of their choice.
Dental Hygienists are very passionate people who are always prepared to give back to their community whenever they are called upon. That was evident on February 14, 2009 when 16 Independent Dental Hygiene Offices and more than 75 Registered Dental Hygienists gave their time to put a smile on the face of a complete stranger. How did they do that? Simply doing what they do best, dental hygiene care, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, microscope demonstrations, brushing, flossing and best of all education about the importance of oral health and your overall health.
Do you want to be a part of this event? I knew you would. Make a difference and volunteer at an independent dental hygiene clinic in your community. Pass the word on. Let as many people you know about this event. My goal is to have an independent dental hygiene clinic in every city across Canada participating in this event to bring awareness to the overwhelming need for dental hygiene care and just how many go without it due to their personal circumstances.
It is also a day to demonstrate to Ontario Stakeholders just how many people go without oral health care.
Prior to September 2007, Dental Hygienists were most often employed by dentists in private dental offices. However, a growing number of Dental Hygienists are choosing careers in independent dental hygiene practices including mobile services for long-term care homes. More than 2,200 dental hygienists have received authorization to self-initiate their controlled act of “scaling teeth and root planning, including curetting surrounding tissue,” (Dental Hygiene Act 1991). These changes to the Dental Hygiene Act have increased the public’s access to affordable preventive oral care services by the practitioner of their choice.
Dental Hygienists are very passionate people who are always prepared to give back to their community whenever they are called upon. That was evident on February 14, 2009 when 16 Independent Dental Hygiene Offices and more than 75 Registered Dental Hygienists gave their time to put a smile on the face of a complete stranger. How did they do that? Simply doing what they do best, dental hygiene care, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, microscope demonstrations, brushing, flossing and best of all education about the importance of oral health and your overall health.
Do you want to be a part of this event? I knew you would. Make a difference and volunteer at an independent dental hygiene clinic in your community. Pass the word on. Let as many people you know about this event. My goal is to have an independent dental hygiene clinic in every city across Canada participating in this event to bring awareness to the overwhelming need for dental hygiene care and just how many go without it due to their personal circumstances.
