About Us

The Oral Health Center provides accessible, barrier free oral healthcare to people of all abilities. Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art accessibility features that support comfort, confidence, integrity, and independence. We foster inclusion and diversity, build long term professional relationships with our clients, and practice with empathy and compassion.

We are passionate about preventive care and its long-term benefits. We firmly believe that a proactive approach to oral health can help maintain good overall health and prevent more serious issues down the road.

Our Values

Integrity

We ensure that ethical standards, transparency, and honesty are at the core of everything we do and deliver services based on current, safe, and effective research.

Empathy and Compassion

We are committed to treating all patients and caregivers with respect and dignity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, nurtured, and valued.

Comfort

Our highly skilled oral healthcare team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care in a carefully curated environment that promotes comfort, relaxation, and ease.

Safety

Our commitment to safety extends to both our patients and staff, prioritizing ease of movement, eliminating barriers and adhering to strict industry safety standards.

Effective Communication

We prioritize effective communication to build trust, deliver quality care, and foster inclusivity. Our goal is to create a safe space where clients actively engage in their oral health journey.

Integrity

We ensure that ethical standards, transparency, and honesty are at the core of everything we do and deliver services based on current, safe, and effective research.

Empathy and Compassion

We are committed to treating all patients and caregivers with respect and dignity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, nurtured, and valued.

Comfort

Our highly skilled oral healthcare team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care in a carefully curated environment that promotes comfort, relaxation, and ease.

Safety

Our commitment to safety extends to both our patients and staff, prioritizing ease of movement, eliminating barriers and adhering to strict industry safety standards.

Effective Communication

We prioritize effective communication to build trust, deliver quality care, and foster inclusivity. Our goal is to create a safe space where clients actively engage in their oral health journey.

Integrity

We ensure that ethical standards, transparency, and honesty are at the core of everything we do and deliver services based on current, safe, and effective research.

Empathy and Compassion

We are committed to treating all patients and caregivers with respect and dignity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, nurtured, and valued.

Comfort

Our highly skilled oral healthcare team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care in a carefully curated environment that promotes comfort, relaxation, and ease.

Safety

Our commitment to safety extends to both our patients and staff, prioritizing ease of movement, eliminating barriers and adhering to strict industry safety standards.

Our Goals

Our aim is to provide universal accessibility of oral healthcare through:

Mobility Aids

Our facility features spacious corridors and doorways to comfortably accommodate wheelchair users. The smooth, seamless flooring ensures effortless maneuverability without height changes or obstacles.

Sensory Accommodations

Our sensory room offers a calming experience with soothing music, low lighting, and tactile objects to ease anxiety during oral care. Noise-canceling headphones provide a peaceful environment with music or white noise for patients sensitive to sounds.

Adapted Equipment & Technology

Our specialized dental chairs are designed with unique folding and extending leg rests, offering easier entry and exit for clients with mobility challenges. They provide optimal comfort with adjustable backrests, footrests, armrests, and reduced visual stimulation.

Communication & Language Support

We ensure that staff members receive training on interacting with individuals with various communication needs.

Patient Education & Empowerment

We provide accessible oral health information in various formats. This includes online information, easy-to-understand brochures, visual aids to enhance comprehension and promote oral health literacy for all clients.

Community Collaboration

We collaborate with community organizations, disability advocacy groups, and healthcare providers like Inclusion Newfoundland, Autism Society of Newfoundland, CNIB, and Easter Seals to support our diverse client population.

Communication & Language Support

We ensure that staff members receive training on interacting with individuals with various communication needs.

Sensory Accommodations

Adapted Equipment & Technology

Communication & Language Support

We ensure that staff members receive training on interacting with individuals with various communication needs.

Patient Education & Empowerment

Community Collaboration

By integrating these accessibility features, our goal is to:

Ensure equitable access to oral healthcare for everyone.
Provide comprehensive oral health care and services to all individuals
Improve oral health and overall health.
Enhance public awareness that oral disease is preventable and achievable, and treatment can be accessible and affordable.

The Team

Katherine Peddle

Owner + Dental Hygienist

Katherine Peddle received her diploma of Dental Hygiene from Dalhousie University in 2005 and is Registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals. She has almost 20 years of experience as a dental hygienist with a specialty in periodontics and 29 years in general oral health care.

She is the founder of Mobile Smiles, a mobile dental hygiene service that provides oral healthcare to your home, workplace, or healthcare facility. She believes that oral healthcare is a human right and that inclusion is the foundation of accessible, barrier-free healthcare for all people.

Leadership positions:
• Chair of the NLDHA Public Awareness Committee 2006-2011
• President of the NL Dental Hygienist Association 2012-2014
• Board Member with NL College of Dental Hygienist since 2016-Present
• Chair of NL College of Dental Hygienist 2020-2022
• Board member of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board 2019-2021
• Federation of Dental Hygienist Regulators of Canada (FDHRC) 2021-2022
• Current Chair of NL Council of Health Professionals June 2023

Gillian Read

Administrative Director

A new graduate from MUN with a business degree in accounting, she brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. Gillian's longstanding involvement in her community, including her membership in the CLB since childhood, speaks volumes about her commitment and character.