The Community Dental Clinic is re-opening and actively seeking Dentists and Dental Hygienists to volunteer…
The Working Centre, in collaboration with philanthropic dental professionals, is re-opening and re-growing The Community Dental Clinic -- to improve access to preventive dental services and dental health care for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness.
Community Dental operated from 2014-2020 when the increasing complexities of Covid-19 led us to close the clinic. We are heartened to finally re-open and offer this much-needed service in our community. There is already a patient waiting list.
We provide free patient-directed-care and access to a full range of preventive, diagnostic, and restorative services for those who are typically only able to receive emergency dental care.
The clinic employs a Certified Dental Assistant and a Program Coordinator/Host. We operate within a Circle of Care model of support.
The clinic relies on volunteer Dentists and Dental Hygienists to provide care out of the clinic’s two full-scale dental operatories. No fees are charged to patients and no billings issued.
Community Dental is located at 83 Victoria Street North in Kitchener, within a hub of practical supports for those who are experiencing homelessness or who are at-risk of homelessness. We have been able to set up thanks to a number of generous donations to the clinic and its operatories. We continue to invite monetary and equipment donations.
Dentists/Dental Assistants/Dental Hygienists:
Are you interested in becoming involved in the clinic as a volunteer? We will be providing orientation to the clinic, the Curve software (all charts will be electronic), and to the context of working with people who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness. We will keep on file a copy of the license and proof of practice insurance for each professional. We understand there are lots of issues to discuss with potential volunteers – we host the clinic, but you would conduct yourself within the expectations of your professional license.
An alternative to working out of the Community Dental space could include taking a few non-paying referrals in your own office – we will connect patients to specialists and other dentists for more complex situations.
Donations:
Cash donations are needed to help cover some of the set-up and operating costs for the clinic. We are a charitable organization and can provide tax receipts for donations.
We look forward to hearing from you. Your involvement will help to make this practical and innovative community project possible. For more information about the Dental Clinic please contact dental@theworkingcentre.org