Our Impact

This list highlights SOHC’s commitment to improving oral health for the most vulnerable populations in Saskatchewan.

Since 2012, SOHC has been driven by the following initiatives:

Increased oral health accessibility for Indigenous communities, seniors, newcomers, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Enhanced public health literacy through multilingual educational materials and public awareness campaigns.
Influenced policy discussions to improve oral health care access in long-term care homes and marginalized communities.
Strengthened partnerships with public health agencies, non-profits, and government bodies to drive long-term systemic change in oral health equity.

OUR Accomplishments & Impact on the Vulnerable Sector

2012

Expansion from a Local to a Provincial Coalition

Impact: Increased accessibility to oral health advocacy, education, and resources across Saskatchewan, particularly in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

2017

Achieved Not-for-Profit Incorporation

Impact: Strengthened governance and accountability, ensuring long-term sustainability and increased capacity to serve vulnerable populations.

2022

Attained Charitable Status

Impact: Enabled SOHC to access grants and donor funding, increasing support for marginalized communities in need of oral health care.

Ongoing

Oral Health Education & Public Awareness Campaigns

Impact: Increased oral health literacy in vulnerable communities through pamphlets, multilingual resources, and video education programs. Developed culturally appropriate materials in Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, and Michif to ensure Indigenous and newcomer communities can access essential oral health education.

Development of Digital & Print Resources

Impact: Ensured accessibility for individuals with limited literacy and no access to digital technology by distributing printed materials and in-person training sessions at food banks and shelters.

Advocated for Long-Term Care & Senior Oral Health

Impact: Led discussions on oral health in long-term care (LTC) homes, influencing policies to improve dental care accessibility for seniors. Created the “Better Oral Health in Long-Term Care” initiative, highlighting the link between oral health and overall well-being for aging populations.

Public Health & Government Collaboration

Impact: Worked with Saskatchewan Health Authority, Indigenous health organizations, and provincial policymakers to address oral health disparities in low-income and Indigenous populations.

“Be Sugar Smart” Campaign in Collaboration with Heart & Stroke Foundation (2015-2017)

Impact: Raised awareness of sugar’s impact on oral health, particularly in children, advocating for healthier dietary choices and policy changes to reduce sugar consumption in schools.

Free Dental Days & Community Dental Care Initiatives

Impact: Supported community-based free dental clinics and preventative care programs, offering basic dental services to low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Launched Digital Membership Platform & Fundraising Initiatives (2025 Launch)

Impact: Expanded opportunities for donors and members to support oral health initiatives, ensuring ongoing sustainability of outreach programs for vulnerable populations.

Oral Health Access Grant

Impact: Securing funding for a three-year initiative providing education, outreach, and oral health resources to those facing financial, geographic, or systemic barriers to care.

Successful Conference Presentations & Knowledge Sharing

Impact: SOHC team has presented at major oral health and public health conferences, sharing best practices and advocating for improved access to care for underserved populations.