THUNDER BAY — Some clients at the Salvation Army shelter on Cumberland Street received something they've not received in years – oral health care.
Instructors Dr. Bruce Pynn, Dr. Frank Mauro, Dr. Don Young, some part-time staff, and students from the Confederation College dental clinic volunteered to provide free services at the end of February as part of the clinic's Giving Back Day.
Participants received assessments, radiographs, diagnoses, and oral self-care instructions.
Each was also given a gift pack containing a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, pens, and winter gloves.
The event had an impact not just on the clients, but also on the students and dental clinic staff.
"It was one of my most rewarding days, maybe the most since I've been working here," said Alison Macmillan, the manager of the clinic.
She said she was inspired by the dedication demonstrated by the 24 students who participated.
"Everyone volunteered to come on the Saturday. They did it out of the goodness of their hearts. I came into the clinic and asked who would like to volunteer for this event that Dr. Pynn and I were working on, and 24 hands went up right away."
Macmillan said the second-year and third-year hygiene students learned the importance of showing empathy and professionalism while working with residents who have limited access to dental care.
"They experienced firsthand how they can make a positive difference in people's lives," she added in an article posted online by the Salvation Army.
Gail Kromm, spokesperson for the Salvation Army, said in an interview Wednesday that clients of the shelter were thankful for the care they received and for how it was provided.
Some of them hadn't seen a dentist in 20 years.
"They were grateful to have some dental care. They appreciated how kind and caring the students and the dentists were, and they were grateful for the learning that they got. To be shown how to care for their teeth helps them too. They were very happy with the experience," Kromm said.
A few of the shelter clients have returned to the dental clinic for followup care.
"We make it such a positive, welcoming environment," Macmillan said. "They've been back a number of times to finish their treatment, and every time they come to my office saying 'Thank you so much. I've never had my teeth cleaned,' and they are just so appreciative of what we did for them."
She and Dr. Pynn, an oral surgeon, organized the one-day clinic, and are already talking about making it an annual event.
Dr. Pynn told Newswatch the college's dental program is "a hidden gem" in Thunder Bay.
"It has all the modern equipment, excellent staff, and easy access for people with free parking if they get a pass for the day. In my mind it is underutilized by the residents of the city. The students often have trouble getting people to work on, and the ones they work on are often students within the college that have perfect teeth."
