www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, February 18, 2016 | 10 Dental office reaches out to Kerr Street Mission by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff When you're living paycheque to paycheque, getting your teeth checked is probably not in the budget, says Kerr Street Mission (KSM) Executive Director Gary O'Neill. "For someone who is working a low-income job and struggling to make ends meet or is in transition, the cost of dental is significant and so it's an easy thing to put off," he continued. However, delaying a check-up to avoid the cost may have a detrimental effect and result into more serious dental problems, O'Neill said. n g i s a s it' That's why he's appreciative an Oakville dentist and her team offered to help those who can't afford dental coverage. Dr. Agatha Bis and her staff hosted Free Dental Day last month to help community members referred by KSM. They saw more than 20 patients throughout the day at the Smiles by Bis office on Dorval Drive, to give back to a community they love. The dental team assessed what could be done immediately, including dealing with breaks, cavities and broken fillings. Bis explained the idea to host a free clinic solidified following a staff meeting where members talked about the Powerball lottery and what they would each do if they had that kind of money. "One person was talking about helping the homeless, another person was talking about social issues and then it dawned on us. We're talking about everyone else, but what can we do from our end to make a difference or to contribute," said Bis, who has been practising dentistry in Oakville 20 years. "...We decided to pull together and do something where we can have an impact." Bis added she and her staff were excited about volunteering their time and using their skills to give back to the community. Normally , their dental office is closed on Fridays, but was open to help those individuals who Oakville dentist Dr. Agatha Bis and her staff recently provided dental care for members of the community, as identified by the Kerr Street Mission. | photo by Graham Paine Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) can't afford to pay for the services. Michelle Lockhart, KSM's community services co-ordinator, told the Oakville Beaver the dental office is meeting a real need in the community. Lockhart said she was happy she was able to connect community members who had expressed a need for dental services even before they had been offered. O'Neill added it's a blessing a local dental office was willing to offer time and care to help those in need. "It's fantastic they would think of us and we would have the opportunity to make the connection with people we're connected with," he said, noting this sends a positive message. "If you're really struggling, it's hard not to feel like no one cares, what's the hope for the future, but to know someone cares and is willing to do something for you or for your child and that they're doing it out of the kindness of heart, that gives everyone excitement and a belief in each other and in mankind." Bis and her staff hope to make Free Dental Day an annual event. As a Maid Right owner you have my quality guarantee with every clean. FREE Schedule3 3cleans, cleans, Schedule get the 4th free* get the 4th free* *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge up to $150 value. Not valid on prior services. up to $125 value. Not valid on prior services. Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new customers only. customers only. SM SPECIAL OFFER: OFFER: SPECIAL CLEAN CLEAN SOLD Want to see your 289.809.9823 (XXX) XXX-XXXX localurladdressgoeshere.com Oakville.MaidRight.com Same Reliable Owners Clean Every Visit Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Colour-Coded Cloths Reduce Cross Contamination EnviroShield® Whole Home Disinfecting Strongest Guarantee In the Industry ©2015 Maid Right Franchising LLC. Maid Right and JAN-PRO International are subsidiaries of Premium Franchise Brands LLC. money doing better? 1.90% 1.70% Watch your money grow with great rates from FirstOntario. 12 Month GIC e-Savings up to Talk to us st. * Call us at 1-800-616-8878 or visit FirstOntario.com Conditions apply. Rates subject to change. *Rates apply to registered and non-registered products.