THE NORTHBAY NUGGET
Dental care on delivery: North Bay hygienist opens mobile clinic to help elderly, disabled get care they need
Posted By Jenny Potter
Nicole Edworthy is taking oral hygiene on the road.
The dental hygienist has started a home service for those who can’t make it to the dentist’s office for regular cleanings.
“Most of my clients are seniors who have difficulty getting out because of mobility problems,” she said.
“Coming to their house is no different than being at the dentist’s office. It is just more convenient for them.”
Her mobile clinic includes a portable stool, reclining chair, sterilized instruments and a luggage-sized suction machine and water dispenser.
With these tools Edworthy can clean teeth, screen for gum diseases and problems, fit mouth guards and teach her clients about oral hygiene.
“I don’t think people know what to expect,” she said. “All I need is an outlet for 110 power.”
Edworthy also converted her basement bar into a sterilization station where all her tools are sterilized and sealed in plastic for travel.
Though British Columbia and Alberta allow dental hygienists to practise outside a dentist’s office, Ontario came onboard only in September.
When Edworthy heard the news, she knew she could serve those in need better if she started her own practice and came to them.
“For people in wheelchairs to come in for a cleaning at an office, they need to find one that’s wheelchair-accessible and then need to arrange transportation and then find a caregiver who will go with them,” she said.
“It’s very difficult.”
Edworthy tested the waters with the project by talking with seniors and disability groups before jumping into the business.
“One lady almost hugged me when I told her about it,” she said.
“Her daughter is autistic so for me to be able to come and do a cleaning in their home is much easier for them.”
Winter can also make it hard for seniors to get out of the house, so Edworthy plans to target the elderly to ensure they get regular dental care.
“People will often wait till the winter is over before coming in,” she said.
“Maintenance is an important part of dental health. If we can get treatment to people more frequently it is better for their long-term health.”
