At-risk Montrealers unable to afford a trip to the dentist will be able to get free dental care for years to come, after the Welcome Hall Mission and McGill University's Faculty of Dentistry signed a new agreement this week.
“We’re doing exams, hygiene, restorative procedures, extractions, light periodontal gum procedures as well,” said Dr. Paul Sweet of the Jim Lund Dental Clinic at McGill University, who oversees the program.
Already the clinic has offered free dental work for mission clients and their families. The new agreement between will see the arrangement continue for at least the next five years.
The clinic, which gives senior dental students experience in the field, is entirely funded through philanthropic donations.
Patient Oleg Chalyi has been in Quebec now for two years since arriving from Ukraine, and while he says he is working, he cannot afford a visit to the dentist's chair.
“It’s very expensive for me,” he admitted. “That’s why I decided to come to this clinic.”
Among those that are able to access dental care through the agreement are mission clients in dire financial straits, seniors, refugees recent immigrants.
"It is amazing to see how a good oral health can improve lives and allow people to obtain jobs so that they can provide for their families," Samuel Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, said in a statement.
—with files from CTV Montreal