Variety’s Dental Outreach Program provides free dental treatment to children.
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease affecting 60-90% of school-aged children worldwide. For many families living without insurance, the high cost of dental work keeps them from getting proper care. Tooth decay is the leading cause of pediatric surgery requiring anesthesia and accounts for 31% of all day surgeries in Canada.
Addressing tooth decay and oral health problems can be difficult for families experiencing economic disadvantage, especially those without insurance coverage. Variety’s Children’s Dental Outreach Program provides preventative education, free dental screenings, and treatment to children who may not otherwise visit a dentist. The program ensures that no child suffers dental neglect due to financial hardships and their families never have to see a bill for dental work. The program helps children receive the care they need, so chronic oral pain does not interfere with a child’s ability to learn and be successful at school.
How the Program Works
Children in Grades 2 through 6 attending a participating school within the Winnipeg School Division have the opportunity to take part in the program. Third and fourth year dental students, supervised by a qualified instructor, visit each school during the fall months, to conduct initial screenings and educate children about habits of good oral health. The screening involves a quick assessment of each child’s teeth and gums, using a flashlight and tongue depressor. Based on the assessment, children fall into one of three care groups.
Children needing additional care are scheduled to visit the College of Dentistry’s clinic. All clinic visits take place on Fridays during school hours and schools are responsible for coordinating these visits. Fridays are always a fun and engaging change of pace at the College when the children arrive for treatment!
Current Participating Schools:
- Cecil Rhodes
- David Livingstone
- Faraday
- Greenway
- King Edward
- Lord Nelson
- Lord Selkirk
- Luxton
- Niji Mahkwa
- Pinkham
- Ralph Brown
- Robertson
- Shaughnessy Park
- Stanley Knowles
- Strathcona
- Victoria Albert
- Weston
*If your child does not attend one of these school sites but needs assistance getting dental-related care please send us an email by clicking the inquire button below.
