Bolton dentist offered free dental clinic to those in need

Simona Dental Studio participated in Halton-Peel Dental Association's Smile Days initiative

By Zachary Roman

It was all smiles at Simona Dental Studio in Bolton on April 1.

Studio owner Dr. Terinder Chahal hosted a free dental clinic for those who couldn't otherwise afford it. She held the event as part of the Halton-Peel Dental Association's (HPDA) Smile Days initiative.

It was all hands on deck as dentists from other clinics were on scene to assist, as well as volunteers and the dental studio's staff.

Chahal said 17 patients were served by the end of the day. 

Chahal explained that April is Oral Health Month and the HPDA was celebrating it by offering the Bolton free dental clinic, as well as three others in Malton, Oakville, and Mississauga respectively.

Chahal first opened Simona Dental Studio in September of 2020. She's worked as a visiting specialist at other offices and teaches periodontics at the University of Toronto.

“It's nice to give back to the community because, if you have a healthy smile, it impacts… your confidence, your mental health,” said Chahal. 

“It's not easy to take time out, but you have to make an effort.”

She was thankful her whole staff were able to help her out, from the manager to the hygienists to the dental assistants. Chahal said even some friends came to help; one was a dentist from Mississauga who took half a day off to assist.

Caledon Councillor Tony Rosa stopped by the clinic to show his support and appreciation for Simona Dental giving back to the community. 

“Dental can be very expensive for those who don't have coverage, so what a wonderful contribution. I was really, really impressed by that initiative,” said Rosa.

“I happened to meet one of the people that was in there having service today, and they were so grateful and so appreciative.”

Rosa said he was so impressed he is going to include the business in a social media post for his Love Local Caledon campaign. “I believe that, you know, this is a win-win. People give back and we do what we can on our end to support their business as well,” said Rosa. He encouraged other businesses to get creative to help fill needs in their community.

In a media release, the HPDA said deserving dental patients were found for the association's four free clinics with the help of the Eden Food Bank, Knights Table Food Bank, WellFort Community Health Centre and Caledon Community Services.

“HPDA believes everyone should have access to safe, quality dental care and one of the ways to ensure that is through better funding for public dental programs,” said the HPDA.

The HPDA went on to say Ontario's dental programs for children from low-income families, low-income adults, people with disabilities, and those with complex medical conditions have been underfunded for over a decade.

“Good dental health is not only a key part of overall health and well-being, it also improves social and employment opportunities and reduces overall pressure on our health-care system.”

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones also stopped by Simona Dental Studio to meet Chahal and her team. She received a tour of the studio and expressed her thanks and belief in the work being done.