Gift From the Heart — Dental hygienists offer one day of free services to the public

TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - To honour the spirit of Valentine's Day, on February 9 registered dental hygienists across the province will provide oral care services to the public at no cost.

For the fifth consecutive year, 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 difficulty accessing dental hygiene services.

"Because dental hygienists can work independently outside the traditional dental office, the event also helps to build awareness about the public's right to choose their health-care provider and the importance of preventing oral disease for a healthy mouth and healthy body," said Bev Woods, founder of the project.

Last year, dental hygienists from all practice settings, including those who operate their own businesses, treated approximately 1,500 clients during the one-day volunteer event.  "Our annual Gift From the Heart keeps growing.  This year we expect to help more people so that we can truly make a difference through treatment and public education about the importance of good oral health," adds Ms Woods.

Since September 2007 when legislation allowed dental hygienists to provide their services outside the dental office, more than 190 independent dental hygiene practices — stand alone clinics and mobile services — have opened across Ontario.

"This legislation change in 2007 increased 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."

Dental hygiene is a regulated health-care profession with more than 12,000 practising dental hygienists in Ontario, making it the third largest of the health-care professions in the province.  The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, the profession's regulatory body, sets policies and standards to ensure the public receives safe and ongoing comprehensive oral care.

SOURCE: Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association

Bev Woods, RDH
www.giftfromtheheart.ca

Margaret Carter, Executive Director
Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association
800.315.6342  
[email protected]