The effort led to 167 people receiving a total of close to $84,000 in dentistry work. (submitted photo/Saskatchewan Polytechnic)

By Derek Cornet

health care

Students perform $84,000 in free dental work for northern residents

Oct 17, 2022 | 4:32 PM

Saskatchewan Polytechnic and University of Regina students helped bring smiles to the faces of people in La Loche, Clearwater River Dene Nation and Buffalo Narrows last week.

During the Northern Health and Wellness Days presented by Cameco on Oct. 14 and 15, more than 167 community members were treated to dental and health clinics in their communities. Regina’s Sinclair Dental provided supplies and sent a technician to assist.

“The Northern Health and Wellness Days are an opportunity for our students to provide outreach support and assistance to members of the community,” dental programs academic chair Sharman Woynarski said in a media release issued Monday.

Students involved in the visit were either studying for an advanced diploma, dental assisting certificate or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The community outreach events were developed after the Saskatchewan Dental Hygiene Association approached Saskatchewan Polytechnic to expand an existing event in Regina up to northern Saskatchewan.

Woynarski explained the communities were chosen based on need.

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“Northern Saskatchewan has limited access to care and the highest rates of dental disease,” she said. “Studies show that oral health impacts overall health. The hope is that the health and wellness events contributes to improve both.”

The dental team that visited northern Saskatchewan last week. (submitted photo/Saskatchewan Polytechnic)

Members of the community are not the only ones who benefit from the events as the students themselves have the opportunity to practice their skills in a different setting and learn the value of community health. Overall, approximately $84,000 in free dental work was delivered to 167 people.

A total of 57 volunteers, including Sask. Polytechnic students in partnership with Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Indigenous Services Canada, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan Dental Hygiene Association, Saskatchewan Dental Therapists’ Association and dental health professional volunteers ran the clinics in the three northern communities.

Dental professionals and students provided oral exams, restorations, routine extractions, hygiene care and education. Nurses and students provided health screenings, education and mental health support.

Local elementary and high schools also received visits from students who provided information on hand-washing, oral hygiene care, nutrition and mental health.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno