Oral health impacts total body wellness
Providing safe, non-traumatic culturally appropriate access to oral health services in First Nations and Inuit communities
Our goal is to improve community member’s oral health, and therefore their overall health and wellbeing.
We teach parents, caregivers, pregnant women, and children about good oral hygiene habits that include both daily self-care and care provided by oral health professionals. It begins in infancy and is a routine part of a healthy lifestyle for all ages and families.
CLIENT-DRIVEN
What is COHS?
The Community Oral Health Services (COHA) is a government funded service-based program
COHS was designed based on evidence that indicates:
- Tooth decay is an infectious disease;
- Tooth decay is entirely preventable;
- Oral health impacts total body wellness;
- Early prevention and education are crucial to good oral health and less disease.
Our Program is focused on Education and Prevention
On Reserve
We serve two of the four communities. We serve Red Sucker Lake and Wasagamack. St. Theresa's Point has their own Dental therapist.
Urban Clinic
In order to meet the oral health of our growing urban population, the COHS team has set up a dental room inside our clinic at 1880 Ellice Avenue in Winnipeg. Our goal is to have 2 urban clinic days a month to provide services to the children here in Winnipeg.
Schools
We primarily see and service the children in the schools.
Ensuring Access To Dental Supplies
Access to basic dental supplies not only promotes good oral health but also instills habits that lead to lifelong wellness, positively impacting the wellbeing of the community children.
PROGRAM GOALS
- To prevent tooth decay in babies and young children
- Major aim to reduce the need for children to undergo extensive dental surgery involving general anaesthetic
- We work to teach parents, caregivers, and prenatal how to prevent oral disease.
- We partner with community daycares, schools, Aboriginal HeadStart, and maternal health programs to bring early interventions. Anywhere there are children in the community we are willing to work with.
- Culturally Relevant – Aligning with Indigenous values, the program fosters trust and a deeper sense of ownership among families. This enhances the sustainability of the initiative. Our dental worker aide is able to use the language to communicate with parents and caregivers.
Activities
We are not dentists. We don’t pull teeth; we don’t use needles.
Consent
Collection of COHS consent forms with updated medical histories signed by caregivers before they can participate.
Screening
Early Dental Screenings for children. Forms filled out and looking for cavities, missing teeth and any infections which are written on the form.
Treatment
» Fluoride varnish application
» Placement of sealants without the need for dental freezing. This prevents food impaction and bacteria getting into crevasses and causing cavities.
» One on one oral hygiene sessions
» Silver diamine fluoride treatment to arrest existing decay.
» Referral to dentist or specialist for surgery when needed
FAQ: Things We Want You To Know
Are You a dentist?
No we are not. I’m a registered dental hygienist and Mary Jane Harper is a dental worker aid.
Do you pull teeth?
No! we do not do any procedures that cause pain or need freezing with needles. No needles… yay!
We are all about prevention and education.
My child has already seen a dentist, so they don’t need to be a part of COHS?
NOT TRUE! In fact, having your child enrolled in COHI ensures they get the oral care supplies they need to brush and floss.
Our program is about education and prevention, and the fluoride varnish is a big part of it. Even though cavities may have been filled, new ones can develop. Fluoride varnish application 3 times a year helps prevent cavities and strengthens teeth.
This program doesn’t replace regular dental visits, it compliments them. So do both! It’s the best for your child’s overall health.
Photo Gallery
Our Team
A dental hygienist and a COHS aide work together to deliver the program services in the communities.
The COHS aide is a trained community member who lives on reserve – hired by the community to support the dental professional and provide some COHS services independently.
The importance of oral health is increased in the communities when the dental hygienist is present regularly and is supported by the COHS aide. A strong partnership with the community in this way ensures the success of the COHS program.
