Bridging the Gap in Oral Health: SCAN and WellFort’s Dental and Awareness Support Program 

Event Date: July 7, 2025
Location: Malton, Mississauga
Hosted by: Sustainable Community Aid Network (SCAN) in partnership with WellFort

The Sustainable Community Aid Network (SCAN), in collaboration with WellFort, hosted a successful Dental and Awareness Support Program aimed at improving oral health education and access in the Malton community. Held on July 7th, 2025, the event brought together community members, healthcare advocates, and local organizations to address longstanding disparities in dental care, especially among vulnerable populations.

Empowering the Community Through Health Education

SCAN’s mission to build stronger, healthier communities was reinforced through this workshop. With leadership from Mustaf, a dedicated community health worker, participants received practical guidance and support in navigating public dental care programs. Mustaf plays a key role in linking residents to healthcare training, employment pathways, and essential services—strengthening both public health outcomes and economic resilience.

Oral health, often overlooked in underserved communities, was at the forefront of this initiative. The workshop highlighted the critical connections between dental care and broader health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and self-esteem. Through focused discussions and direct support, attendees gained tools and knowledge to take control of their oral health.

Workshop Highlights and Key Objectives

The program aimed to:

• Address the oral health challenges faced by low-income seniors, newcomers, and marginalized youth.
• Improve dental health outcomes through accessible education and community-specific resources.
• Connect individuals to public programs such as the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) and Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO).
  

Supporting Seniors

One of the workshop’s central components was helping seniors understand and apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), a government initiative offering free routine dental services to eligible low-income seniors.

Key support included:

• Assistance with OSDCP applications
• Distribution of oral care kits
• Access to free dental hygiene days and check-ups
  

Eligibility for OSDCP

• 65 years or older
• Ontario resident
• Annual net income of $25,000 or less (individual) or $41,500 or less (couple)
• No other dental insurance (excluding the federal CDCP)
  

Participants were guided through the documentation process, and accommodations such as professional guarantors were explained for those without complete paperwork.

Empowering Youth and Families

The workshop also focused on educating families about the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program, which provides free dental care to children and youth under 17 from low-income households.

Highlights included:

• Help accessing preventive, routine, and emergency dental care
• Education on building strong oral hygiene habits from a young age
• Guidance on reducing sugar intake and improving overall diet
  

Families learned how early intervention and routine dental check-ups can significantly reduce long-term health issues and promote lifelong habits for healthy living.

Outcomes and Community Impact

The Dental and Awareness Support Program achieved measurable outcomes in several areas:

For Seniors:

• Increased awareness and enrollment in OSDCP
• Reduced untreated dental issues
• Improved self-esteem and confidence
• Strengthened trust in community health programs
  

For Youth and Families:

• Greater access to free dental care
• More informed and health-conscious families
• Early detection and treatment of dental concerns
• Enhanced oral hygiene practices among children and teens
  

Overall Community Impact:

• Reduction in oral health disparities
• Stronger partnerships between healthcare providers and community groups
• Increased equity in healthcare education and services
• A more informed, confident, and connected community
  

Participant Feedback

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many seniors expressed surprise and relief at discovering the support available through government programs like OSDCP. One-on-one guidance during the workshop helped ease their concerns and simplify the application process.

Participants also appreciated the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, which encouraged open discussion and reduced the stigma often associated with seeking help.

I had no idea I was eligible for these services. This workshop really opened my eyes, and now I’ve started my application for the program,” said one senior attendee.

Parents echoed similar sentiments, noting that they felt more confident about their children’s dental care and were eager to share what they’d learned with friends and family.

Looking Ahead

Following the success of this event, SCAN will continue its efforts through the Building Resilient Communities through Health Equity initiative. The next workshop will focus on Diabetes Awareness, further expanding the organization’s commitment to preventative care and community health literacy.

Next Steps:

• A feedback survey will be sent to all participants to guide future improvements.
• SCAN will work with Mustaf to create and distribute brochures summarizing available dental care resources.
  

The Dental and Awareness Support Program not only delivered tangible health benefits but also demonstrated the power of collaboration in building healthier, more informed communities. SCAN and WellFort remain committed to closing the health equity gap, one workshop at a time.