LifetimeSmiles providing preventative oral care in RR

By Ken Johnston
Editor

It was all smiles at an open house held at the Rainy River clinic last Wednesday!
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Dawn Gustafson, held an open house to showcase what services she offers in the community.
Open every Wednesday, Gustafson takes appointments for her business, LifetimeSmiles, to perform preventative oral care. “We do cleanings, removal of tartar and also specialize in keeping your gums healthy,” she explained.
She also conducts preventative treatments such as fluorides, sealants and offers instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Gustafson is a trailblazer in the region. While there are approximately 12,000 RDHs in Ontario, only about 300 have taken advantage of a change in regulations that took place in 2007. At that time it became legal for RDHs to work on their own. Previously they had to work under the indirect supervision of a dentist. While most of the RDHs still work in dental offices, about 300 have chosen to work outside of the box. “As far as I know I am the only one in Northwestern Ontario on my own,” said Gustafson.
She said it took 15 years for the RDHs to get that change in regulations with a lot of opposition from dentists along the way. But now she works hand in hand with dental offices. “I can refer patients to any dentist of their choice for any dental work they need.”
A person’s initial visit involves a full assessment. “I need a full hour on the first visit. We do the assessment and then discuss it,” said Gustafson.
At this time she can only do an x-ray if referred by a dentist. However, she said the RDH association is working to have that changed. “We are hoping that we will have that option within the next two years.”
LifetimeSmiles operates full time in Fort Frances but comes to Rainy River on Wednesdays. Gustafson encourages people to call her for appointments at 276-2887. She did say she is flexible on days and times if need be, but people need to call for an appointment.
Gustafson said it has been a three year journey to get to her open house last week. When she started working to come to Rainy River in 2009 there was a major equipment breakdown. Then last fall Rainy River Town Council purchased a brand new dental cart with the help of funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. “I have been regularly seeing patients ever since November of 2011.”
Gustafson also deals with all types of dental insurance. “I take all types of private insurance as well as social services and First Nations.”
She said that all the feedback she has had in Rainy River has been very positive noting that she has had patients of all ages. “Some come as a family and others on their own.”
She provided information, booked appointments and offered free cake at her open house last week.