Harm reduction aims to reduce stigma and keep people who use drugs (PWUD) safe through reducing injury, disease, and death associated with high risk behaviours.(1) In my fourth year of the UBC DHDP, myself and three other DH students developed an advocacy project to increase access to care for PWUD in dental clinics.

Our project targeted both dental HCP and PWUD. Our mission is to educate HCP dental professionals about the social determinants of health, poor oral health affects on quality of life, stigma and discrimination this group faces in health care settings, and how to provide cultural competence and safe care for this population.(2,3) On the other hand, the projects mission for PWUD is to provide personal self care (PSC) tools, and develop a relatable logo that is recognizable for them to access dental care.

Cause-Advocacy Project Logo featuring the plant forms of which drugs are derived; marijuana leaf, poppy, nicotine flower (left to right).

Our team has gained support from stakeholders to continue moving forward to advocate for this population within the dental field, and eventually expand into all health care practices.

Presently, the logo was designed by the team, but will undergo further design by a PWUD focus-group to reflect harm reduction. Additionally, a grant and sponsorship proposals are the next step to launch an educational piece to gain local dental HCP supporters in the community and distribute our brand, gain funding for an oral health event in the PWUD community, and provide PSC tools with logo.

References

1. British Columbia Ministry of Health. Harm reduction: a British Columbia community guide. Victoria, BC, Canada: British Columbia Ministry of Health; 2006. 27p.
2. Brondani MA, Alan R, Donnelly L. Stigma of addiction and mental illness in healthcare: the case of patients’ experiences in dental settings. PLoS one. 2017 May 22;12(5):1-13.
3. Lopresti S, Ngo D, Tocchio J. Methamphetamine use and oral health: management and treatment considerations. Can J Dent Hyg. 2013;47(4):176-81.
4. Canadian competencies for baccalaureate dental hygiene programs. Ottawa, ON, Canada: Canadian Dental Hygienists Association; 2015. 41p.