Dental hygiene students from the University of the Fraser Valley assembled dental care kits for distribution to the homeless in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, B.C., through The Salvation Army. Each kit contains a toothbrush, toothpaste and other items including pamphlets on dental care. Supported by a grant from the B.C. Dental Hygienists Association, the students also offer low-cost dental cleanings in their clinic on the Chilliwack campus.

“This is a welcome initiative,” says Tim Bohr, community relations co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in Chilliwack. “Many of our clients do not have access to a dentist or oral hygiene products. We trust this initiative will make a significant impact and help them keep their teeth healthy without requiring expensive dental treatment or orthodontic care.”