Oral Health Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of how important good oral health is to a healthy lifestyle. It’s also a time to recognize and celebrate the work of dental professionals. OPH has a team of over 50 dental professionals: dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental receptionists, and support staff. They work in various settings across the city including our four OPH dental clinics, schools and in the community. They work to reduce health inequities for low-income children, adults and seniors living in Ottawa by providing assistance to access dental services.
This April, we want to highlight these dental health promotion activities.
Our community-based dental hygienists will be visiting English as Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO). Dental hygienists will conduct interactive, culturally sensitive dental health presentations both in person and virtually. The presentations will emphasize good dental hygiene practices and the importance and safety
of drinking Ottawa’s tap water. They will provide dental screenings to children attending the ESL/LINC on-site daycare
to identify dental problems early and link them with dental treatment services. By providing dental health education and
screenings, we help newcomers have an equal opportunity to reach and maintain
good oral health.
To support self-care, we are providing dental hygiene items to be distributed at food banks that are linked to community
health or resource centres. These packages will include toothbrushes and information on dates at Neighbourhood Health and Wellness hubs where residents can speak to a dental hygienist, have a dental screening and a fluoride varnish application. Donating dental supplies to food banks addresses health equity by providing access to essential oral hygiene products.
The Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page will feature dental health videos that address common dental concerns. It will
offer tips for making toddlers toothbrushing a positive experience and advice for the first visit at the dentist.
This video content available on mobile devices provides educational engagement with parents in an accessible and shareable format. Remember, oral health is integral to overall health, well-being and quality of life. Keep up the good work by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, making tap water your drink of choice, and seeing your dental professional regularly.
For more information on dental health services please call Ottawa Public Health Dental Information Line at 613-580-2424 ext. 23510.
