Local dentist’s initiative takes off nationally

FERGUS – What began as a personal initiative of Dr. Raj Khanuja, has blossomed into a national initiative, where dentists offer free services to people in need.

On Oct. 10, participating dentists across the country will offer free dental care with no barriers, no paperwork and no judgment for the first National Dental Care Day.

Khanuja has been doing this at his own clinics – in Fergus, Hillsburgh, Brampton and Toronto since 2012, when he realized a patient who was also a  single mother, postponed her own dental care to pay for her son’s hockey equipment.

“Dentistry isn’t just about teeth – it’s about dignity, about giving people the confidence to smile again,” says Khanuja, recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship among other honours.

“No one should miss life’s precious moments because they can’t afford dental care.”

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Over that time Khanuja has met with other dentists who agree with his philosophy of giving back.

Now there is enough support that the program can launch nationally.

National Dental Care Day calls on every dental clinic to open at least “one chair for one day” on Oct. 10 to individuals in need.

Already, six provinces and over a dozen cities have issued proclamations supporting the cause, with endorsements growing weekly.

Participating clinics will offer free dental services – no income tests, no forms, just dignity – to anyone who walks through the door, officials say.

“If each clinic opens just one chair, together we can restore thousands of smiles in a single day,” says Khanuja.

The movement’s official website, NationalDentalCareDay.ca, provides resources for dentists to sign up and for patients to find participating clinics in their communities.

To join the movement:

• dentists can register their clinics and pledge one chair for Oc. 10;
• community groups can help spread the word; and
• patients in need can locate clinics offering free care near them.

For Khanuja, this is more than charity – it’s a movement of dignity.

“When we choose to serve, we don’t just change lives, we change ourselves and strengthen our communities, one smile at a time,” he stated.