The Cholakis Dental Group: Kids Dental Outreach Program in Winnipeg has been providing free dental care to inner-city youth for the past 25 years. The program, a partnership between the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg School Division, offers services such as crowns, fillings, and extractions to children under 18. Dr. James Ksionzyk, director of undergraduate pediatric dentistry at UM, stated that the program sees hundreds of youth annually, many of whom are in significant pain and would not receive care otherwise. The program is able to address issues such as transportation, financial constraints, and language barriers that may prevent children from accessing regular dental care.
In the 2022-2023 school year, dental students from UM screened over 2,500 youth in kindergarten to grade six, with approximately 40 children bussing in every Friday for treatment. Ksionzyk highlighted the challenges that many of the patients face, including transportation and financial issues, emphasizing that the program provides a more accessible and slower-paced alternative to traditional dental offices. The program is staffed by around 30 dental students who gain valuable experience while providing much-needed care to the school children. Ksionzyk described the program as a win-win situation, benefiting both the students and the children in need of dental treatment.
Looking ahead, Ksionzyk expressed hope that the program will continue to operate successfully in the future, especially with the recent support of two new sponsors. He emphasized the importance of the program in addressing the dental needs of inner-city youth who may not have access to regular dental care. The program’s impact goes beyond just providing dental treatment, as it also helps to improve the overall health and well-being of the children served. By addressing issues such as pain and dental problems early on, the program aims to set the children on a path towards better oral health in the long term.
The Cholakis Dental Group: Kids Dental Outreach Program has been a vital resource for the community, ensuring that underserved youth receive the dental care they need. The program’s success is due in part to the dedication of the dental students who volunteer their time and expertise to help improve the oral health of children in the Winnipeg School Division. Additionally, the program’s partnerships with the University of Manitoba and Winnipeg School Division have been instrumental in facilitating the free dental services provided to the children. As the program celebrates 25 years of service, it continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of inner-city youth by addressing their dental needs in a supportive and accessible environment.
The future of the program looks promising, with new sponsors on board and a commitment to maintaining the initiative for years to come. Dr. James Ksionzyk’s vision for the program’s longevity reflects a dedication to ensuring that inner-city youth have access to quality dental care that they may otherwise not receive. By providing free dental services to children who face barriers to accessing traditional dental care, the program plays a crucial role in promoting oral health and overall well-being in the community. As the program moves forward, it will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for inner-city youth in Winnipeg, offering them the opportunity to receive essential dental treatment and support.
