Innovative Solution Brings Dental Care to Women Experiencing Hardship

Once a month, a blue and white bus pulls into the parking lot of The Salvation Army’s Evangeline Residence, a 90-bed shelter for women in Toronto’s west end. The van doesn’t carry office supplies or food items. It’s stocked with periodontal probes, dental drills and syringes.

Through a partnership between The Salvation Army and the City of Toronto, the dental office on wheels provides free dental care for women experiencing homelessness.

“It’s going to the dentist, but in an RV,” says Carol, a resident who uses the service. “The bus made it easy and accessible for me to get the care I need. Today I had a filling replaced. The staff treated me with respect and made it a pleasant experience.”

Transportation, affordability and mobility issues make it difficult for some people to seek treatment in traditional settings. The bus bridges that gap.

“The dental bus expands the existing services offered by the Evangeline Residence such as one-on-one counselling, life-skills training and housing support,” says Marian Thompson, Housing Worker at the shelter. “Since the program began in December 2013, more than 50 women have accessed its services.”

The spacious interior and state-of-the-art equipment allows complex surgical and restorative procedures to be performed.

“We are not limited to just preventative procedures such as cleanings, sealants and exams,” says Dr. Claire Hong. Dr. Hong works full-time on the bus, which stops at more than 10 locations each month.

“The bus is readily accessible to different communities such as shelters and community health centres,” says Hong. “Not everyone has a dental plan and the service enhances the overall general health of those who find themselves in serious situations such as homelessness, addiction or mental health issues.”

Jo-Anne, who also uses the service, says going to the dentist is financially out of reach for her.

“When you can’t afford to put a roof over your head, some things are neglected—like having your teeth cleaned and fixed.”