Dental care is about more than clean teeth. It's about preventing often painful oral health issues, with long-term impacts that can limit our ability to eat, smile and interact with those around us. However not everyone has access to care.
And that's exactly the motivation behind a new initiative from Blackfalds Smiles.
The dental practice recently hosted its inaugural free dentistry event, aiming to make dental care accessible to those who might otherwise go without it. They also hope to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and address the barriers many face in accessing quality dental care.
On Aug. 25, the clinic provided treatments to 38 guests who needed it most. This impressive turnout demonstrated both the significant demand for accessible dental care, and the clinic’s role as a vital resource in the community.
The free dentistry event allowed the local dentistry team to address patients' immediate dental issues and offer preventive care, potentially saving patients from more extensive and costly treatments down the line.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was witnessing the profound impact the event had on those who attended. Lead dentist, Dr. Mason Kim says he and his team were proud to support patients who expressed deep gratitude, many sharing stories of enduring pain or dental issues for extended periods due to financial constraints.
“For some, this event was the first time they had received dental care in years. The relief and joy they felt after receiving treatment was evident, lifting a significant burden off their shoulders,” Dr. Kim says.
These powerful interactions served as a reminder to the Blackfalds Smiles team of the importance of such initiatives. Providing care to those in need not only benefits the patients but also fosters a stronger sense of community.
"The opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbours is so rewarding and I'm so proud of the team here who helped make this happen," Dr. Kim says.
Looking ahead, Blackfalds Smiles is committed to making the initiative an annual tradition, with the next free dentistry event planned for late summer or early fall next year.
With the lessons learned from this inaugural event, come next year they aim to increase the number of volunteers to serve more patients efficiently, incorporate brief educational sessions to promote better oral hygiene and establish more formal feedback to improve future events, Dr. Kim says.
Whenever you need dental care, choose Blackfalds Smiles by booking your next appointment online or over the phone at 587-507-5399.
