A recent change to Alberta’s Health Professions Act means people can now see a dental hygienist without going to the dentist.
The Edge is a new hygiene-only clinic that recently opened in Calgary.
“We can now open businesses and work independently so there is no dentist on the premises, just strict hygiene services,” says co-owner Melanie Johnston-Dore.
The change also allows hygienists to operate mobile clinics in long-term care facilities and rural areas, where there’s a shortage of dental professionals.
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The Edge is open evenings and weekends making it easy for patients to get appointment.
“We were new to the city and I tried to get into the dentist, about a 2 to 6 month wait, so I got in here right away,” says patient Nichole Nolan.
The prices are cheaper too, with services costing an average of 20% less than a traditional dental office.
Some dentists are concerned hygienists can’t properly respond to a dental emergency.
But hygienists say that’s rare, and they’re more than willing to refer patients on.
“We stress to patients it is a collaborative effort, we still work really closely with dentists, and specialists, for that matter,” adds Johnston-Dore.
Many hygienists will tell you a healthy mouth equals a healthy body.
Recent studies have linked gum disease to heart and respiratory problems, as well as pre-term births and cancer.
To learn more about the clinic, you can log onto www.edgehygiene.com
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