Public health dental clinic relocates
Clinic that served 3,300 people last year moves from Peterborough Square to Jackson Square
Peterborough Public Health celebrated the relocation of its Community Dental Health Clinic to its main office at Jackson Square on Tuesday.
Having all staff at 185 King St. provides easier access to clinics and programs and reduces operational costs, director of public health programs Donna Churipuy told those gathered in the building’s foyer for a morning “floss” cutting ceremony.
“Our work family is all together,” she said. “It’s a win-win-win situation producing health smiles on all fronts.”
The clinic is much-needed, Churipuy said, explaining how the clinic saw more than 3,300 patients at its Peterborough Square location last year. “We know out dental program is fulfilling a critical need.”
The clinic serves those who qualify for various governmentfunded dental care program, such as the Healthy Smiles Ontario, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program and the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for Indigenous clients.
But more must be done to expand services, Churipuy added, pointing out that there were nearly 1,100 visits to Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s emergency department last year related to oral health issues.
The relocated clinic features three operatories, X-ray services and a much-larger reception area than the previous location.
Child health services manager Patty Fitzgerald lauded the extra space and improved lighting before thanking clinic staff who ‘wow’ her daily with their energy and enthusiasm.
The clinic has been located at nearby Peterborough Square since 2011. Funding for the renovations needed for the relocation came from the sale of the health unit’s mobile dental office, a retrofitted former RV sold to Peel Public Health last fall.
Peterborough Public Health occupies three floors of the former federal office building on King Street, having moved there in 2015 from a crowded 1970s building on Medical Drive that has since been demolished.
Tuesday’s event also included the unveiling of Turn-A-Round, a painting by city artist Richard Sturm donated to the clinic by The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.
“In posing a seemingly endless series of questions, the painting encourages viewers to reflect, to innovate and to challenge assumptions — thinking that is vital to our individual and collective well-being,” foundation executive director John Good stated.
The piece is one of nine being donated by Sturm, who wanted them to go to charitable organizations in the region that don’t have funds to acquire art.
Hospice Peterborough’s new residential care facility and The Mount Community Centre are also set to receive two pieces each, while four more will enter Trent University’s permanent art collection, Good told those gathered.
Born in Buffalo, Sturm moved to Canada in 1968 before working as a staff photographer and instructor of children’s painting and film classes at the Art Gallery of Ontario and a CBC scenic artist from 1973 to 1975. He was also a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees during that time, officials stated.
A Peterborough resident since 1981, his notable film scenic painting credits include Superman, Three Men and a Baby and Good Will Hunting.
NOTES: To learn more about the Community Dental Health Clinic and determine eligibility, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or call 705-743-2230 .... For more information on Richard Sturm and his work, visit https://www.sturmca/artwork/ index.htm .