HOLLAND COLLEGE
College Unveils Renovated Dental Clinic and Program Update

Holland College has completed a significant renovation to its Dental Clinic, with the support of a $1.7M contribution from Health Canada's Oral Health Access Fund. The upgrade is the first part of a three-year project to improve oral health outcomes for Indigenous and newcomer populations in PEI. 

Left to right : Dr. Mike Connolly, CEO, Dental Association of PEI, Dr. Matt Gilchrist, President, Dental Association of PEI, Anika Oakes, Dental Assisting student, Nicole Reyes, Dental Assisting student, Wanda MacInnis, Learning Manager, Dental Assisting program, Dr. Sandy MacDonald, President & CEO, Holland College

"One of the biggest challenges these communities face is navigating care that is not culturally informed," said Craig Dauphinee, Executive Director of Programs at Holland College. "Through this project, we will examine the barriers experienced by newcomers and people with Indigenous heritage and embed those insights directly into our curriculum. This will ensure our graduates are fully prepared to apply culturally responsive practices when supporting diverse patients."

The project will be led by the Dental Assisting program, with assistance from the college's Applied Research department and Curriculum Development team.

Health Studies Program Manager, Rachel Batchilder noted that updating the clinic's capacity and technology is an essential element to the project's success. 

"The inclusion of simulation units in the program's preclinical labs will better prepare students for the transition into direct patient care, which will strengthen their confidence and enable them to be better communicators with patients and lead to a better patient experience," she said.

The project is supported through the Oral Health Access Fund, a Health Canada initiative that complements the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The fund aims to expand access to oral health care by supporting projects that reduce or remove barriers to accessing oral health care for targeted populations. This includes improving oral health education and training. 

"All Canadians deserve access to oral health care," said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. "Holland College's renewed dental clinic and expanded training capacity will help reduce barriers to care for Indigenous and newcomer communities, while preparing the next generation of oral health professionals. Through the Oral Health Access Fund, we are supporting initiatives that increase access and improve health outcomes for those who need it most."

The project was developed in consultation with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI, the Dental Association of PEI and the newcomer community to ensure meaningful collaboration with the communities it aims to serve. 

Dr. Michael Connolly, CEO of the Dental Association of PEI, shared enthusiasm for the collaboration 

"The DAPEI and its dentists are proud of their long-standing connection with the Holland College Dental Assisting Program, he said.

"We look forward to many more years of collaboration. The new clinic is an amazing facility which not only will provide well trained and well-informed students, but it will also be a draw for the program itself."

To further align with the goal of improving access to oral healthcare, space will be allocated to Indigenous and newcomer populations during the student's annual community clinic.