Local dental hygienist Christine Bureau wants to spread bright smiles free of charge through the Adult Language and Learning Centre.
Bureau, who owns Bright Smiles in Chatham, said she and fellow dental hygienist Leanne Pepper are joining forces with the centre Feb. 21 to “do some free dental hygiene care.
“We’re treating some of their clients in need,” Bureau said. “We have clients specifically booked for this. The centre is booking them.”
Bureau said for many newcomers to Ontario, it’s hard getting access to affordable dental care. She said she and Pepper sent petitions to Queen’s Park asking for changes to be made to health care regulations, to no success.
However, the federal government stepped up. The Canadian Dental Care plan is designed to help those on limited income.
“The plan is wonderful, but people are still falling through the cracks,” Bureau said. “Newcomers are among them.”
At the Feb. 21 clinic, which will take place at the Adult Language and Learning Centre on King Street West in Chatham, Bureau said the goal is to educate and assist.
“A lot of it is oral health education, and helping them to see if there is an opportunity for them to get on a program to seek routine care,” she said.
While Bright Smiles is in business to make money, Bureau believes in giving back, here and abroad.
In the past, she’s run similar charity clinics partnered with other local non-profit organizations, she said.
“Bright Smiles typically operates as a for-profit business. But I put money aside every month to support these charity days,” she said. “I’ve done close to $100,000 in free treatments over the past 10 years. I always partner with non-profits.”
Plus, Bureau has taken her skills beyond our borders.
“I’ve done multiple mission trips overseas. But it’s nice to give back to the community I call home, and give back locally.”
