Variety Dental

When kids experience dental problems, it affects their health, confidence and learning ability. 

Variety Dental Outreach program has existed since 2007 in partnership with the University of Manitoba's Pediatric Dentistry Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Winnipeg School Division.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, 13 WSD schools participated in the program. A total of 1,381 children were screened for potential oral health problems, and 729 treatments were provided to treat oral health problems for 210 children in WSD.

"As an organization, we believe in early prevention," said Variety CEO Jeff Liba.

"By us coming into schools every year providing preventative education and teaching kids how to care for their teeth. Oral hygiene can be a negative piece affecting students' abilities to learn. We see it as helping a social problem." 

Liba continued, "The benefit of the program is we're releasing financial burden. If families have a benefit plan, we fund the difference; for families that don't have benefits, they're provided treatment free of cost."

Recently, the Variety Dental Outreach program has developed partnerships with private dental practices in Winnipeg, with the continued goal of helping kids with their oral health and confidence.

Although the program's focus is on the dental needs of students, the impact goes far beyond that. They instill a greater sense of self-confidence by smiling and learning in the classroom, free from cavities.

"Dentists will gift the service or reduce the cost. We budget money every year to help more kids," said Liba.

"We are happy to be one of the partners in the program; we love helping. We exist to meet needs and address them. Our big picture goal is to help more kids in Winnipeg and the surrounding area."

For schools wanting to join the Variety Dental Outreach program and those who would like more information, visit their website.