'Pro bono dental' program planned for low-income Ottawa residents

A group of Ottawa dental professionals is trying to launch a non-profit service for low-income residentswho cant afford dental insurance.

The Pro Bono Dentalprogram would offer dental work for those with a low incomewho dont have a criminal record, drug dependencies, serious medical conditions, private insurance or government assistance.

• Pro Bono Dental website
• Dental Charity Ball website
• Man with rotting teeth all smiles after dental work

Organizer Dr. Ben Fong said hes trying to raise money, find sponsors and convince about 20 other dental professionals to join.

"If you have simple dental work it can be done through savings and such, but if you have extensive dental work where it costs thousands and thousands of dollars, thats where you could fall through the cracks where it just gets worse and worse,"said Dr. Fong, who also owns Ottawas Herongate Dental.

"Myself, Ill be doing it all pro bono, but I think for most dentists I would consider covering their basic expenses, which (would come from) donations."

Hospitals, social services didn't fill need

Dr. Fong saidMichael Clermont is a good example of a pro bono client, a seasonal worker who said hes never been able to afford dental care and has several missing or damaged teeth.

"From grinding my teeth in my sleep theyve broken off and deteriorated, I had a full set of teeth seven years ago,"Clermont said.

"Ive been to emergency rooms probably 20 times in the last seven years, theyre happy to give me painkillers but they wont extract the problem."

He said he developed an addiction to morphine because of issues with his teeth, which he also said is nowunder control. ButOntario Works told him it would only cover one tooth extraction a year.

"Its pretty frustrating.I try to downsize as much as I can, live in my boat instead of a home, I stay with friends during the winter,"he said.

"The dental problems have affected my health and my ability to keep sustaining myself."

A Dental Charity Ball to raise money forthe program takes placeApril 11 at the Canadian Museum of History.