All smiles
The University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry provided free dental care last weekend in their inaugural Dental Day YXE.
By University Communications“We can impact many lives by relieving people of dental pain and improving oral health,” said Dr. Alyssa Hayes, assistant professor of dental public health at the U of S. “It is also a great way to bring the profession together and strengthen those bonds as a dental community as well as to the communities we serve on a daily basis.”
The objective of Dental Day YXE was to provide free dental treatments—including cleanings, denture repair, extractions, fillings and root canal therapy—to individuals and families who are unable to access care due to financial constraints. In February, the college approached several organizations including the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, the Salvation Army, The Lighthouse, Egadz, Saskatoon Roman Catholic Diocese, seniors groups and children’s programs. Staff and faculty from the college volunteered their time Saturday and suppliers donated products and equipment.
Dental Day YXE: By the numbers
- 200: total patients treated
- 150 volunteers assisting
- $20,000: value of donated supplies from companies such as 3M Oral Care, Brasseler, Carlton Dental Laboratories and Dentsply Sirona, among others.
- $68,286: value of treatments performed as per provincial dental fees
- $0: out-of-pocket cost for patients at Dental Day YXE