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Tom Harle, BSc, DDS, D(Pros), MSc, FICD(C) - Prosthodontic Dental CareTom Harle, BSc, DDS, D(Pros), MSc, FICD(C) - Prosthodontic Dental Care

Portable Outreach Dental Service (PODS)

Partnering with the Young Single Parent Support Network of Ottawa

dentalclinic3In 2012, Dr. Harle expanded local efforts to provide improved access to dental care for the underserved in the National Capital Region with the establishment of the Portable Ottawa Dental Service (PODS). Using mobile dental equipment (on loan from Health Teams International) and a cadre of volunteer dentists and hygienists treatment is offered at “no-cost” to young single mothers and their children at various centres within the Young, Single Parent Support Network of Ottawa.

Words from the Founder

Dr. Tom Harle had the following to say about this new initiative when it was launched:

“We are excited to be able to offer weekly hygiene and restorative dental care with our 10 chairside volunteers and have the overwhelming feeling of being in the right place and the right time to help address some of the specialized needs of young single mothers and their young children. Not only will we be able to make many smiles healthier but we will also be able to provide this free service more economically through the use of a delivery model that incorporates portable dental equipment at the same time”.

Where We Currently Offer Services

With funding, supplies, equipment and dedicated volunteers assembled, PODS is now offering its free dental services to young women and their children on a nine month rotating basis at the following three centres:

youville centre

st marys

bethany hope centre

Dental Services Offered

dental-clinic-for-women-ottawaThrough the use of the portable dental equipment, Tom Harle and his team of volunteers are able to offer and administer a variety of dental care services, bringing the clinic to the patient.

  • Clinical exams and periodontal assessments
  • Oral cancer screenings
  • Oral health education
  • Cleanings and polishings
  • Dental sealants
  • Topical fluoride applications
  • Composite resin restorations
  • Onward referrals for more extensive care if required
  • Linkage to a “dental home” within their community for regular recall and maintenance care

Volunteer!

We are always looking for new volunteers to take part in our mission of providing “no-cost” dental care to the young women of Ottawa.

If you would like to volunteer, please submit an application form here.

Thank you for your interest in working with PODS!

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