The Cholakis Dental Group: Kids Dental Outreach Program in Winnipeg is celebrating its 25th year of providing free dental care to inner-city youth. This initiative, a partnership between the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg School Division, offers services like crowns, fillings, extractions, and more to children under 18 years old in the WSD. Dr. James Ksionzyk, the director of undergraduate pediatric dentistry at UM, mentioned that the program sees hundreds of youth annually, many of whom would not receive dental care otherwise. The program operates on Fridays during the school year to accommodate the students.
The program is a valuable resource for children who face challenges such as transportation issues, financial constraints, and language barriers in accessing dental care. Ksionzyk highlighted that the clinic provides a more relaxed and accommodating environment compared to regular dental offices, which are often busier and faster-paced. Around 30 dental students are involved in providing care through the program, gaining valuable experience while helping the school kids receive the necessary treatment. Dr. Ksionzyk emphasized the mutually beneficial nature of the initiative, where both the students and the young patients benefit from the program.
In the academic year 2022-2023, over 2,500 youth in kindergarten to grade six were screened by dental students, with approximately 40 students being bussed in every Friday for treatment. The program aims to address the dental needs of children in the WSD who may be experiencing pain and require immediate care. Dr. Ksionzyk expressed satisfaction in being able to alleviate the pain and provide necessary dental treatment to these children who would have otherwise gone without care. The program’s success is attributed to the dedication and hard work of the dental students involved.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Ksionzyk hopes that the Cholakis Dental Group: Kids Dental Outreach Program will continue to operate successfully for another 25 years, supported by new sponsors who have recently come on board. The long-term sustainability of the program is essential to ensure that generations of inner-city youth continue to receive essential dental care and treatment. The initiative has been a beacon of hope for children facing barriers to accessing dental services, and its impact on the community has been significant over the past 25 years. As the program continues to evolve and expand, it will undoubtedly make a positive difference in the lives of many more children in Winnipeg.
In conclusion, the Cholakis Dental Group: Kids Dental Outreach Program in Winnipeg is celebrating 25 years of providing free dental care to inner-city youth. Through a partnership between the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg School Division, the program offers essential services to children under 18 years old, addressing issues such as crowns, fillings, extractions, and more. The program operates on Fridays during the school year, catering to students who face challenges like transportation issues, financial constraints, and language barriers in accessing dental care. Dental students gain valuable experience through the initiative, and Dr. Ksionzyk hopes that the program will continue to thrive for another 25 years with the support of new sponsors.
