Book now for Gift From The Heart

Brooke and I are so excited to announce that we are participating in Gift From The Heart (GFTH) this year.  GFTH is a day that dental hygienists around the country volunteer their time to provide free dental hygiene services to their communities.  Due to Covid-19 GFTH was postponed and then cancelled last year. Now with Covid-19 protocols, PPE, disinfection and sterilizing guidelines, and new booking protocols in place GFTH can once again take place. This year it is scheduled for June 26th, 2021. Above: Dental hygienists Marcia Rutledge (left) and Brooke Plebon.

In past years the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic participated in GFTH and tried to make the biggest impact they could by making the day a first-come first-serve.  That meant there was typically a line up at the door and a full waiting room.  We were able to see about twenty clients on those days.  With the current Covid-19 protocols this will not be the case this year. Instead anyone interested in booking their free dental hygiene appointment is asked to call the Clinic as soon as possible at 613-756-6884. Kaylee will be happy to schedule an appointment for those
interested and will go through a Covid-19 screening questionnaire and give you instructions on how to arrive at your appointment. Please do not come more than five minutes early as you will be asked to wait outside or in your vehicle.

The services provided at GFTH in the past revolved mostly around debriding(removing plaque and tartar buildup), and removing stain for clients. This is still the case, however, we have also decided to make denture cleaning and oral cancer screenings available for free for those who are missing their own teeth and can’t afford regular care.

Every year the question comes up … How do I qualify? or What paperwork do I have to bring you to prove my income?

The answer is NONE.  No proof of income is required for care.  We use the honour system, which means we ask those who do have the money or have their own dental benefits to please allow those who truly can’t afford treatment to receive the free care.

The schedule with spacing and cleaning time factored in will allow BBDHC to provide free dental hygiene care for approximately 12 people.  We also have availability for those in the same household to be seen at the same time to eliminate waiting time for couples, roommates, and/or families.

GFTH is a wonderful opportunity for dental hygienists to care for their community, for those in need to receive dental hygiene care, and for us to spread some big clean smiles!

About the author: Marcia Rutledge RDH has owned and operated the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic since 2010. She loves being able to provide individual care to each and every one of her patients. Preventive dentistry is Marcia’s passion.