RED DEER — A group of volunteer dental professionals and Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff are making a big difference in the lives of local children through a unique outreach program.
The Dental Outreach of Red Deer (DOoR) program offers free dental care to children ages 5 to 18 in central Alberta. The service is for children with urgent dental needs such as pain, infections, visible decay, or broken teeth — issues that can affect their daily lives.
“This program can be life-changing for children who are in pain,” says Dr. Kelvin Hill, a volunteer dentist with DOoR.
Dr. Hill, who helped start the program in 2008, is part of a dedicated network of volunteer dentists and registered dental assistants. He has donated many weekends over the years to help children get urgent dental care. Since its launch, DOoR has provided nearly 2,200 volunteer hours and treated over 600 young patients — including 30 so far in 2024.
Now based in Sylvan Lake, Dr. Hill says he gives back in honor of mentors who supported him, such as the late Dr. Mona Billey and Dr. Barry Fleming, who played key roles in developing DOoR.
“You never achieve anything alone,” he says. “Helping others along the way is what really feels meaningful.”
A Lifeline for Families in Need
Dental assistant Deborah Bone-Dyck has volunteered with DOoR for 15 years. She says many children go without care because their families can’t afford dental treatment.
“Dental care is essential, and some kids just fall through the cracks,” she says. “I volunteer because I know there’s a real need. It feels good to help.”
The program operates out of a clinic at Johnstone Crossing, where AHS dental hygienists and assistants support the volunteers and the families who visit.
Reaching Kids Where They Are
Prevention is also a key part of DOoR. AHS staff travel to schools across the region to identify children with urgent dental problems.
“We see kids who are struggling in school because they’re in chronic pain,” says Tannis Brown, an AHS registered dental assistant. “Often, they don’t tell their parents what they’re going through.”
When the team spots issues like abscesses, broken teeth, or trouble chewing, they send home information about DOoR and encourage families to reach out.
Relief When It’s Most Needed
One of those families is Ivee and her 10-year-old son, Xam, who moved to Red Deer about a year ago. Without dental benefits, Ivee didn’t know where to turn when her son began suffering from severe tooth pain.
“He was crying a lot at night,” she says. “It was really hard.” Thanks to DOoR, Xam received the care he needed.
“It’s such a relief,” she adds.
A Rewarding Experience
For volunteers like Dr. Hill and Bone-Dyck, the most rewarding part is the gratitude they receive from families.
“You only need to volunteer once a year if that’s all you can do,” says Bone-Dyck. “But I like to do it a few more times because it really makes a difference.”
She says every family she’s helped has been deeply thankful. “They’re always so appreciative.”
As the DOoR program continues to grow, organizers encourage more local dental professionals to get involved — helping to open doors for children who need it most.
