A10 Healthy Smiles Ontario

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Healthy Smiles Ontario Waterloo Region Public Health Partnership with the CHC’s June 5, 2013

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Relationship with the Region of Waterloo Public Health • The CHC’s were engaged in a consultation with community partners in December 2009 • Region of Waterloo Public Health established an internal steering committee to plan the implementation of the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program • A formal partnership was established with Region of Waterloo Public Health and Waterloo Region Community Health Centres in April 2011

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Relationship with the Region of Waterloo Public Health • The Oral Health Workers were hired by each CHC with support from the Public Health dental staff • Oral health workers are provided support and supervision from each CHC to implement HSO (building upon existing relationships within the community) • An external steering committee is now in place to provide guidance to the PH and CHC program staff

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Why this partnership is effective • CHC’s have knowledge of the communities they serve and existing linkages with community groups, and agencies.

• CHC’s have a wide variety of programs and services for low income families.

• The 3 CHC’s in Waterloo Region can provide outreach to the entire region with services being offered in 5 CHC sites as well as outreach locations.

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Why this partnership is effective • Build upon the peer model developed by the Region of Waterloo Public Health and the experience of CHC’s in using peers workers.

• Partnering the dental hygienist with the peer worker to work in collaboration in the community.

• Building stronger relationships with local dentists and other partners in the community.

– i.e. when the oral health worker is involved we find that more dentists are willing to take HSO clients.

Woolwich Community Health Centre

The Peer Model Works • Benefits of working with Peers – Better communication (especially with newcomers who need translation or help with system navigation) – New connections within the community – not always formal programs – Facilitates trust – Cultural understanding (both ways!)

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Challenges • A new model of service delivery takes time to implement but there are long term rewards!

• Finding creative ways to inform families about the program • Administrative process of HSO • Making meaningful connections with organizations and health professionals

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Challenges • Building trust with clients within marginalized populations takes time and effort especially with some cultural groups • Reaching all children who qualify • Many families do not qualify and need to access the Public Health dental clinic which is a distance from our rural community • Adults do not qualify for the program and their needs are as significant and their children’s

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Oral Health Worker Roles • Build upon existing programs and relationships to promote HSO • Deliver oral health presentations in collaboration with the dental hygienist • Facilitate access to the appropriate Region of Waterloo dental services, i.e. HSO, CINOT, PH Dental Clinic • Assist clients to complete HSO application • Facilitate clients accessing dental services and addressing barriers to access

Woolwich Community Health Centre

Case Scenario