April 2, 2015
Story by Kerri Robins; photo by Amelia Schofield
The Northern Lights Health Foundation is celebrating the 10th anniversary of a special initiative that has kept Wood Buffalo children and their families smiling across the region.
For the past decade, the health foundation has supported the oral health program through Alberta Health Services (AHS) that provides dental services to young children in the region.
“Oral health is so important and can influence a child’s entire life,” says Kim Melanson, a registered dental assistant and the first point of contact for dental services before visiting the dentist.
Dina Mrouwe’s three-year-old daughter, Ayah, has participated in the program for two years, and Mom says she’s found the experience to be a good one.
“Ayah has no problem going to the dentist and that makes me feel good,” says Mrouwe. “Giving children a positive experience from an early age is important, because a lot of kids who go to the dentist find it scary at times.”
The program is offered through the School Oral Health Program and the Preschool Oral Health Program at the Fort McMurray Community Health Services office. While it focuses on young children, services are also offered to older children in rural areas, where access to dental services can be more difficult.
“If children have unhealthy teeth, they can miss out on school and other activities due to dental issues they’re having, such as tooth pain,” says Melanson. “It can also affect their nutritional needs, as it can be painful to eat, which can lead to long-term health problems.”
Preventive dental services include fluoride varnish applications, dental sealant applications, brushing and flossing instruction, dental referrals and public education.
“Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in early childhood, and linked to many long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease,” adds Melanson.
With more than $75,000 in donations over the years, the foundation has helped fund a variety of necessary dental equipment.
In May 2011, the foundation helped to buy a portable pediatric dental chair, portable compressor and dental unit, portable dental light and a tray table.
The portable equipment allows Melanson to visit schools, reaching as many children as possible.
“With the equipment, I’m able to provide dental services in schools for children, many of whom don’t have regular access to a dentist,” says Melanson.
Suzanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the Northern Lights Health Foundation, says she’s happy with the program’s success.
“The Oral Health Program in Wood Buffalo has had an incredible impact in the region, helping many children maintain exceptional oral health,” says Chaffey.
Ayah is proof of that.
“Ayah loves Kim,” says Mrouwe, “and the process of going from Kim to the dentist was much easier.”
Now that’s a reason to smile.
For more information please visit: northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
