The CBHSSJB is expanding your oral health services to become a part of diabetes management and maternal health care. This means that when a child needs oral health services, they will aim to not only treat the disease, but work with the family to understand why this happens, and to make sure it isn’t a recurring problem. It means more focus will be put on prevention.

The Primary Oral Health Care approach (POHC) has been recognized as a promising solution for the challenges faced by organisations like the CBHSSJB. This approach puts emphasis on prevention, community involvement, local leadership, and a collaboration across sectors to address issues like:

• ensuring fair access and treatment for all
• better managing dental care inside the health care system
• putting the patient at the centre and improving the health of the population
• efficient organisation of our services
• overall policies for services

As mentioned above, in 2004 the CBHSSJB pioneered a plan to implement this approach. Since then, the CBHSSJB has created the Iiyuu Ahtaawin Miyupimaatisiiun Planning (IAMP), to channel Cree traditional practices and Cree values into an integrated health care services approach for planning, prevention, and service delivery.