Western Secures $2.9M to Enhance Oral Health Access and Education

Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has received a significant boost of $2.9 million from Health Canada’s Oral Health Access Fund. This funding aims to complement the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) by expanding access to dental care for communities facing persistent barriers. The investment addresses various challenges, including individuals avoiding dental care due to past negative experiences and young adults lacking basic oral hygiene education.

Strengthening Community Connections

The first initiative funded by this investment will allocate approximately $600,000 over one year to enhance access for uninsured individuals or those facing delays under the CDCP. This funding will also support upgrades to Schulich Dentistry’s clinic management system, improving patient communication and overall experience. According to Dr. Carlos Quiñonez, vice dean and director of dentistry, “This investment allows us to reach people who, for many reasons, still aren’t receiving the care they need.”

The second component of the funding, nearly $2.5 million over three years, will focus on expanding a community-integrated model of dental education. This project aims to deepen partnerships with local organizations such as the Oxford County Community Health Centre, The Wright Clinic, and the Moose Factory Dental Clinic at Weeneebayko General Hospital in Northern Ontario. The goal is to prepare dental students for a diverse range of community settings while emphasizing professionalism and social accountability.

Curriculum Development Grounded in Community Experience

A critical aspect of the initiative involves creating a curriculum that reflects lived experiences and person-centred care. Led by professors Abbas Jessani and Sarah McLean, this curriculum is designed to incorporate insights from individuals within partner organizations. “Many of the patients we work with experience stigma in dental settings,” Jessani noted. “We’re training students to think outside the box – to understand the broader social factors that shape a person’s oral health.”

The curriculum will invite community members to share their experiences, while graduate students will conduct focus groups to define what person-centred care means in practice. This approach aims to transform how future dentists interact with patients, reinforcing the importance of compassion and understanding in oral health care.

Jessani emphasized the importance of connecting with individuals in their own environments, stating, “When trainees meet people in their own environments, they begin to understand the social determinants of health in a very real way.” McLean added, “It helps students connect with the humanity in their work.”

With an estimated nine million Canadians eligible for the CDCP, Schulich Dentistry is preparing to adapt to this evolving landscape. Dr. Quiñonez highlighted that the investment from Health Canada aims not only to enhance clinic operations but also to ensure students receive the training necessary to provide effective care in diverse settings.

“We will continue delivering exceptional oral health education and care for our region,” Quiñonez affirmed. The initiative represents a significant step towards aligning dental education with community needs, ultimately aiming to improve oral health outcomes across various populations.

For more information about Western University’s initiatives in optimizing health access, visit their official website.