We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Maitland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Since launching Complete Oral Wellness, the journey has been a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs, all underscored by the overwhelming support of our community. One of our proudest achievements of 2023 has been exceeding our initial goal of providing $3,000 in community dental hygiene services by over $1,500 in our first year alone, totaling $4,678.40. This success speaks volumes about the pressing need identified in our underserved community. This year alone, I have surpassed $5,000 in community outreach dental hygiene services.

In our efforts to address this need, I’ve embraced a commitment to community engagement and outreach. This includes volunteering services such as oral health education seminars, a free oral cancer screening clinic, and offering low-cost dental hygiene care to low-socioeconomic clients. Additionally, I’ve established oral wellness baskets providing free dental hygiene products to those in need.

Our partnership with Gift from the Heart, a national nonprofit dental charity, further amplifies our mission to extend dental care access to underserved populations. These initiatives are more than just services; they’re a testament to our belief in making a tangible difference in people’s lives by improving their oral health and overall well-being.

I am proud to be taking part in the historic launch of the Canadian Dental Care Plan as a registered CDCP provider. This new federal plan offers dental care to 9 million uninsured Canadians across the country.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but the support and appreciation from our community have fueled our determination to continue expanding our impact. Every smile we help maintain and every individual we empower through education reinforces our commitment to serving and supporting our community, ensuring that dental care is accessible to all who need it most.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Welcome to Complete Oral Wellness! I’m Shannon Maitland, RDH, and I’m passionate about improving oral health through our mobile dental hygiene van. My journey began with a strong commitment to making dental care more accessible and convenient for everyone.

Our mobile van brings a wide range of dental hygiene services directly to you, whether you’re at home, work, or a community center. From routine cleanings and check-ups to preventive care and patient education, we prioritize your dental health in a comfortable and convenient setting.

What sets us apart is our personalized care and dedication to your convenience. By eliminating the barriers of traditional dental visits, we ensure that everyone can receive essential oral health services with ease. I take great pride in providing compassionate and professional care that meets and exceeds your expectations.

I am particularly proud of the positive impact we’ve had on our community’s oral health. Through our mobile dental hygiene van, we’ve revolutionized how dental care is delivered, making it more accessible and inclusive for all.

Whether you’re considering our services, following our journey, or supporting us, I want you to know that at Complete Oral Wellness, we’re committed to transforming dental hygiene with innovation and a personal touch.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During the early phases of my development, I encountered significant challenges in understanding complex nuances. These challenges mirrored the difficulties faced by small business owners and creatives, particularly those venturing into specialized fields like mobile dental hygiene van.

One of the most daunting hurdles was navigating the logistics of setting up a sustainable mobile dental hygiene van. There were limited blueprints and guidelines available on how to assemble or open such a vehicle, especially concerning critical infrastructure like power, water, and electricity sources. Ensuring a sustainable power source that could support dental equipment, a reliable water source for operations, and efficient electricity management were crucial yet intricate tasks.

Through persistence and a commitment to innovation, I tackled each challenge methodically. Researching alternative power solutions, such as solar panels or energy-efficient systems, became a priority to ensure operational sustainability. Similarly, finding ways to optimize water usage and manage electricity consumption effectively required creative problem-solving and resourcefulness.

Over time, I learned to adapt and integrate these sustainable practices into the core of my mobile dental hygiene service. This journey underscored not only my resilience but also the importance of flexibility and determination in overcoming obstacles in a field where guidelines and precedents are still evolving.

Today, I’m proud to say that these early challenges have shaped a service that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of my clients. By navigating the uncharted territory of sustainable mobile dental hygiene infrastructure, I’ve not only improved operational efficiency but also contributed to a more environmentally conscious approach to oral health care delivery.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building our reputation within the market at Complete Oral Wellness has been shaped by several pivotal factors. My commitment to accessibility and community engagement has been foundational. Operating from our mobile dental hygiene van, we bring personalized services directly to patients at their homes, workplaces, or community centers, offering a unique and comfortable experience. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also fosters a deeper connection with our clients.

Central to our reputation is my dedication to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. I prioritize individualized treatment and education, ensuring that each patient receives services tailored to their specific oral health needs. This personalized approach has been instrumental in building trust and loyalty among our clientele.

Furthermore, our focus on innovation and sustainability distinguishes us in the industry. We’ve implemented eco-friendly practices and forged partnerships with nonprofit organizations for community outreach, demonstrating our commitment to responsible healthcare and social impact. These efforts underscore my dedication to both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Continuous learning and adaptation are core values at Complete Oral Wellness. By staying abreast of advancements in dental care and integrating feedback from our clients, I continually enhance our services to exceed expectations. This commitment to excellence has solidified our position as leaders in redefining dental care delivery in our community.

I am grateful for the support from my peers and fellow dental hygienists who work independently. Together, we advocate for lifting each other up and fostering a healthy, supportive community within our profession. There’s no limit to what we, as Registered Dental Hygienists, can achieve when we collaborate and support one another. We are oral health practitioners dedicated to making a measurable impact on overall oral health.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that we have a book in the works called “Driving Oral Health” aimed at guiding future generations of dental hygienists who wish to open their mobile dental hygiene vehicles. This comprehensive guide will share insights and strategies to navigate the difficulties and challenges of setting up and operating a mobile dental hygiene vehicle. It aims to provide practical advice and solutions based on our experiences, ensuring that future hygienists can embark on their journeys with confidence and preparedness.

In summary, my journey with Complete Oral Wellness is defined by my unwavering commitment to accessibility, personalized care, innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, supported by a community of dedicated peers. These elements collectively contribute to our success in meeting the diverse needs of our community while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.completeoralwellness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/completeoralwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/completeoralwellness/

Image Credits

Stacey Laviolette Photography & Design