About Us
Who
we are
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.
We value
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.
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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: Effective communication is the foundation for building trust, providing quality care and creating an inclusive environment. We aim to create a safe space where clients feel comfortable expressing concerns, asking questions and actively participating in their oral health journey.
Our goals
Our aim is to provide universal accessibility of oral healthcare through:
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Mobility aids
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Spacious corridors and doorways provide ample room for wheelchair users to navigate comfortably.
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Smooth, seamless flooring, without any abrupt changes in height or obstacles, allow for effortless maneuverability.
Sensory accommodations
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Our sensory room is designed to provide a calming, comfortable experience for clients who find it difficult to receive oral care. This room provides soothing music, low lighting, and other sensory elements such as tactile objects that can help reduce anxiety and create positive outcomes.
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Noise-canceling headphones help reduce stress for people who are sensitive to sounds or who are anxious about their oral health appointment. They create a calm atmosphere through soothing music or white noise so patients can relax without having to worry about hearing every little detail going on around them.
Adapted equipment and technology
Our specialized dental chairs have unique folding and extending leg rests to accommodate people with mobility challenges, making entering and exiting, easier for clients. The chairs also provide a comfortable and relaxed position, improved access, adjustable backrest and footrest, reduced visual stimulation and adjustable armrest.
Communication and language support
We ensure that staff members receive training on interacting with individuals with various communication needs.
Patient education and 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
To address the needs of our unique client population, we actively collaborate with community organizations, disability advocacy groups and other healthcare providers. Some of these include: Inclusion Newfoundland, The Autism Society of Newfoundland, CNIB and Easter Seals.
By integrating these accessibility features, our goal is to:
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Ensure equitable access to oral healthcare for everyone.
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Provide comprehensive oral health care and services to all individuals
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Improve oral health and overall health.
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Enhance public awareness that oral disease is preventable and achievable, and treatment can be accessible and affordable.