Free dental care at U of M clinic

The University of Manitoba’s dental school is offering free care to people who are enrolled in the national dental care plan or are uninsured.

The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry was given a grant of $336,000 from Health Canada to cover the costs.

Patients who are eligible for 40 per cent or 60 per cent coverage at a regular Manitoba dentist’s office through the national dental care plan will have their coverage topped up to 100 per cent at the U of M clinic.

More than five million Canadians are covered by the national plan. Non-insured patients will also receive full coverage at the U of M clinic, which is located at 790 Bannatyne Ave.

Dentistry and dental hygiene students need a consistent flow of patients to complete the hours of hands-on training required to graduate.

The free work will continue until March 31 or the funds have been spent, the U of M said in a news release Tuesday.