What is Gift From the Heart?
Gift from the heart was founded in 2009 by Bev Woods, an Independent Registered Dental Hygienist in Trenton Ontario. Her idea was simple, to set aside one day a year to give back to the community and to not only offer no cost dental hygiene care, but to bring public awareness to the large number of Ontarian’s unable to afford basic preventive oral health care. Little did she know that Registered Dental Hygienists from across the country would want to join in, and so this event takes place on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day every year with a growing number of registrants from every province where Registered Dental Hygienists are able to practice independently.
In Ontario, legislation changed back in 2007 allowing Registered Dental Hygienists to practice their services outside the traditional dental office. Due to this change, there have been many independent dental hygiene practices, both stand alone and mobile, opened across the province. The Gift From The Heart event has become an integral part of spreading the word regarding this change and increasing awareness regarding the public’s right to choose their health care provider.
Because this event is exclusive to Independent registered dental hygienists. Some hygienists will rent a chair or volunteer their time on this day, and many Independent practices will open their doors to the public. Dental Hygienists are very passionate people who enjoy sharing their knowledge and skills, especially with those in need, this day offer the perfect forum to do just that.
Why we are participating
At the DHG we are proud not only to be one of the few Independent Dental Hygiene Practices listed in Etobicoke, but we are also proud to be a member of this community and feel excited to have the opportunity to show we care.
This event is not simply about “free cleanings” it is more importantly about helping those in need beyond the immediate results that a professional cleaning will provide. We plan to not only provide our services at no cost, but we will also be offering education regarding such things as, the link between oral and systemic disease, caring for infants teeth, dietary considerations, oral side effects of medications, and proper brushing and flossing techniques. Many of us take for granted the value of some of the most basic information that is learned through regular preventive oral care appointments. For the segment of the population that cannot afford these services, much of this information goes unlearned, and may lead to many oral and general health problems.
This will be the 6th consecutive year for the event, but 2014 marks the first year that we will be participating. It will take place on Saturday February 8th at our Etobicoke clinic at the corner of Bloor & Islington, and is open to those who could not otherwise afford basic dental hygiene care by appointment only.
Are you a candidate?
This event is open to adults as well as children.
Your response to some simple questions will determine your eligibility. Please call or send us an email to get started!
Space is limited and is based on a first come first serve basis so don’t delay!
Want to volunteer?
Anyone can volunteer. The more the merrier.
We are in specific need of Registered Dental Hygienists that are licensed to self-initiate, as well as dental assistants.
Are you a student in either of these fields? We would love for you to come and participate. In fact, if you have educational displays that you have worked on we would be interested in utilizing them for this day.
We are thrilled to be able to be a part of this event, with your help we can make this a huge success so please don’t hesitate to contact us!
To be a volunteer or apply to be a client please contact us directly at: 416-799-8344
Or email: info@www.dentalhygienegroup.ca
For further information about this event please visit:
http://www.giftfromtheheart.ca/
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