Calgary Syrian refugees get bus-based dental care

Some volunteers in Calgary are helping to take a bite out of at least one of the pressing issues facing newly arrived Syrian refugees.

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The Alex Dental Health Bus set up shop in Bridgeland Saturday to offer basic dental work to the new Calgarians.

Dr. Raman Minhas is a dentist who wanted to be a part of the project. He says there has been a huge response to the offer.

"Just getting infections cleared up, getting people healthy," Minhas said is the goal.

"It won't be a lot of focus on prettying up the teeth. It's just getting infections controlled."

The bus was booked solid Saturday, with some people showing up without an appointment for a chance to see a dentist, in some cases, for the first time in years.

Denise Kokaram is the program lead for the bus.

She says Syrian refugees have a tough time getting proper dental care.

"Their coverage is very basic. It covers the barest in terms of emergency coverage and emergency exams," Kokaram said.

But she says they will stay as late as needed Saturday, and possible do it again next weekend.

Minhas has even offered to open up his office for follow up treatments.

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The dental bus is a partnership between the Syrian Refugee Steering Committee and Alex Community Health Centre.