Community Dental Health Clinic Celebrates Relocation to Jackson Square
Written by Communications, October 16, 2018
New Clinic Brings All Public Health Services Under One Roof
Today, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) celebrated the relocation of its Community Dental Health Clinic (CDHC) to the main office at 185 King Street (Jackson Square).
The move was inspired by an opportunity to bring all public health services to one location, making it easier for residents to access PPH clinics and programs and reducing operational costs from having two locations. To celebrate, PPH staff held a “floss-cutting” ceremony with dental staff, and revealed a beautiful painting by local artist Richard Sturm, donated to the new clinic by The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP).
“We know how much our local residents need this clinic, and this was the major inspiration behind creating a more convenient and comfortable space for our clients,” said Patti Fitzgerald, Manager of Child Health Services. “Last year alone, at Peterborough Square we saw clients at more than 3,300 appointments, so we know our dental program is fulfilling a critical need.”
Fitzgerald explained that this clinic serves clients who qualify for various government-funded dental care programs, such as the Healthy Smiles Ontario, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, and the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations clients. “These programs enable us to deliver essential dental care to families living with low-incomes,” she added.
“The importance of dental health to overall quality of life cannot be overstated. It is well documented in scientific research that oral health affects speech, nutrition, growth and development, learning, employment and self-esteem. Ignore oral health now and we all pay the price later,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.
Last year alone there were nearly 1,100 visits to the Emergency Department at Peterborough Regional Health Centre due to oral health issues.
In addition to the “floss-cutting” ceremony, Richard Sturm, a local artist, was on hand to unveil his new painting, entitled Turn-A-Round. This artwork will now hang in the clinic thanks to a donation to the CDHC by The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.
John Good, Executive Director of The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough explained the donation, “The Community Foundation is pleased that Peterborough Public Health has agreed to accept and display Richard Sturm’s painting, Turn-A-Round. In posing a seemingly endless series of questions, the painting encourages viewers to reflect, to innovate and to challenge assumptions – thinking that is vital to our individual and collective wellbeing.”
The new Community Dental Health Clinic features three operatories, x-ray services, and a much larger reception area than the previous location. To learn more about the program and determine eligibility, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, or call the CDHC at 705-748-2230.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391