Many Syrian Refugees arriving in Canada are in urgent need of basic healthcare like dental work. They suffer from gum infection, tooth decay, and rotten or discoloured teeth.
On Friday, Algonquin College opened their clinic to Syrian Refugees to offer free dental services.
Khaled Gonaym said it was his first visit to the dentist since coming to Canada from Syria in February.
Speaking through a translator, Gonaym said it was the only time he had experienced the tools used at dental clinics in Canada. He called the feeling ‘unusual’.
Gonaym is one of roughly 100 Syrian Refugees scheduled to attend the free clinic throughout July and August.
Volunteers said many of the patients were coming through the door with severe pain.
“We have an expectation in our mind of what we’re going to see but when we actually see it, it helps us understand how grateful we need to be and that there is such a need out there,” said Tonia Peachman-Fust, from Algonquin College.
About 25 current and former students, hygienists and dentists assisted at the free clinic.
Anas Bezreh, one of the volunteers, was a former dentist in Syria before moving to Canada in 2014. He said the services offered in Canada are very different from back home.
“In poor environment people are asking just to relieve them from pain, and people in the higher institution they ask for appearance, for aesthetics,” said Bezreh.
Bezreh said going to the dentist every six months for a check-up is not something that happens in Syria.
Gonaym was given several fillings and asked to return for more work at a later date. He said it was the first time he felt like someone cared for him and his well-being.
The free dental clinic at Algonquin College is done in partnership with Ottawa Public Health.
