Something to smile about: Public health opens new dental clinic to meet demand

Something to smile about Public health opens new dental clinic

Chatham-Kent Public Health has a new dental clinic up and running to accommodate growing need for dental services.

The clinic serves Chatham-Kent residents eligible for either the Ontario Seniors Dental Care or Healthy Smiles Ontario programs, public health said in a release. The clinic does not take payment for services, beyond a minimum fee for creating a new denture.

The new clinic is at 519 King St. W. in Chatham, with entry off Robertson Avenue.

“We were very grateful to be serving Chatham-Kent residents out of our former King Street East location for so many years,” said program manager Carina Caryn.

“But with the expansion of the programs and more folks accessing the funding available, it was necessary for us to move to a larger location to better meet the needs of our clients.”

The clinic, with two program assistants, three certified dental assistants, two registered dental hygienists and a dentist on staff, provides a variety of services, public health said.

Services covered by the Healthy Smiles Ontario program may include exams, routine checkups and preventive services.

Services that may be covered by the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program include examinations, assessments and x-rays, preventive services like cleaning, restorative services to repair broken teeth and cavities, oral surgery to remove teeth or abnormal tissue, anesthesia, root canal services to treat infection and pain, periodontal services to treat gum conditions and diseases, plus crowns, and dentures.

For more on the dental clinic and the programs it works with, visit ckpublichealth.com/smile or by calling 519-355-1071 ext. 5700.

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