Access to dental care is a challenge for remote communities especially. Think: act led the project of behalf of a collaborative committee that included the First Nations Health Authority, Island Health Authority, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council and the Ministry of Health. These leading organizations wanted to improve get a better understanding of the barriers facing Nuu-Chah-Nulth communities, improve access to culturally-safe care and reduce travel costs.

In this project think: act:

• Designed and approved an engagement and planning process to improve access to care;

• Led the project on behalf of a collaborative of Health Authorities, funding and policy bodies including FNHA

• Developed an engagement approach that included surveys, interviews with Health Directors and community-based conversations;

• Helped our client to understand the differential and unique barriers faced by each community;

• Built relationships with dentists and denturists and recruited sufficient numbers to provide care on a regular basis to the most remote community;

• Developed a staffing model, transportation plan and budget for hygienist and dentist services to be delivered in the most remote community.