Press Release

New option for dental hygiene services a reason to smile

Survey suggests more than 25 per cent of Toronto residents not getting recommended care

TORONTO, July 9 /CNW/ - There is no better reason to smile than to show off healthy teeth and gums. Now Torontonians need to look no further than Yonge and Eglinton, the site of Independent Dental Hygiene Centres Inc.'s (IDHC) flagship location, bringing an affordable and convenient alternative to dental hygiene services currently being provided at traditional dental offices.

The first of their proposed network of many Centres across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), IDHC offers more affordable services in a relaxing environment, with reduced waiting times and longer hours, including evenings and weekends, at locations near the subway, making it easier for people to make oral health a priority.

Improving access to dental hygiene

Last fall, the Ontario government amended the Ontario Dental Hygiene Act, allowing dental hygienists to clean an individual's teeth without the presence of a dentist. The goal of the legislative change is to improve choice and access to preventive oral care services.

Traditionally, people wishing to have their teeth cleaned would first have to be examined by a dentist, who would then give an 'order' for the patient to access dental hygiene care.

Dental care habits in the GTA

The findings of a recent survey into the dental habits of the GTA suggest IDHC's arrival could have many residents smiling. The survey found more than one-quarter (27 per cent) of the 445 respondents aged 18 years and over aren't getting their teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist twice yearly as recommended to maintain good oral health.

Lack of dental coverage appears to be a major reason why respondents fell short of the mark, with 22 per cent of those without coverage reporting they did not have any dental services performed in the last year.

Importance of oral health

"Cleaning teeth is a specialty and dental hygienists have a distinctive role to play as health care providers," said Amina Zaidi a senior dental hygienist with IDHC. "The fact is, some people could use a 'brush up' in their dental hygiene routines and we're here to help. Oral health is important because it plays a major role in overall health and well being."

Regular cleaning and maintaining good oral health is key to decreasing the risk of developing numerous diseases, from gingivitis to heart disease which have the potential to negatively affect overall health and vitality.

The Yonge and Eglinton location is located just steps from the subway, with easy street access. It sets the standard of convenience that will be reflected in other Centres as the IDHC network expands throughout the GTA. The next Centre is scheduled to open in September at Yonge and Sheppard.

IDHC was founded in October 2007 by Dr. Brian H. Price & Dr. Howard Rocket. Drs. Price and Rocket are the entrepreneurs behind Tridont Dental Centres which opened 107 locations across Canada during the 1980's. The pair has also been credited with transforming all of the professions in Canada by championing the right of all professionals to advertise their services. The Supreme Court of Canada decision in 1990 bears their name.

To celebrate the grand opening, IDHC is offering a $99 introductory offer covering the initial assessment, cleaning, plaque removal, intra-oral camera photos and polishing (up to one hour) by a registered and licensed dental hygienist. IDHC services are covered by dental health plans.

Survey details:

The survey was conducted by Harris/Decima in December 2007. Results were obtained by means of a Web survey completed by 445 residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) aged 18 and older. With a sample of this size, the results are considered accurate within +/- 4.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About IDHC:

Independent Dental Hygiene Centres Inc. is a new and innovative healthcare concept that represents an important advance in preventive oral health care. IDHC offers affordable prices, convenient hours and accessible locations for dental hygiene services. The flagship location is located at 2233 Yonge Street. Just steps from the subway, with easy street access, it sets a unique standard of accessibility as the IDHC network of Centres eventually expands throughout the Greater Toronto Area. For more information, visit www.independentdentalhygiene.com.

For more information, contact Joanne Multari at jmultari@idhc.ca.