Press release | The ACDQ highlights the generous contributions of volunteer dentists to the young residents of the Auberges du coeur

Montreal, April 24, 2024 – Homelessness, addiction and psychological distress are growing problems among young adults in the current socio-economic context. In response to these issues, a number of ACDQ members are determined to make their own contribution to the mission of Auberges du cœur, an organization that provides residences for young people aged 12 to 35 who have not had an easy start in life and want to build a better future.

Dr. Carl Tremblay, President of the ACDQ, emphasizes just how proud he is to see dentists helping the Auberges du cœur pursue its mission: “Since we decided to support this organization in 2015, no fewer than 528 young people have received free dental care worth approximately $435,000 in over 1,000 appointments at clinics which have helped give them back some of their dignity and self-confidence. Beyond the monetary value of this care, I salute the generosity of these volunteer dentists who have opened their doors and hearts to vulnerable patients.”

For her part, Michèle Noël, Executive Director of the Auberges du cœur Foundation, would like to highlight the exceptional contribution made by ACDQ member dentists: "The young people who benefited from their care are extremely grateful. Every little gesture of solidarity helps thousands of young people: giving them attention and care gives them hope for a better future.”

Here are a few testimonials expressing the benefits of these treatments:

• “I was in constant pain for about six months because he required two root canal treatments,“ explained Johnathan.
• “The dentist was very attentive, and I felt like he was interested in getting to know me better,” said Julie.
• “My teeth were quite damaged. This will help me regain my self-confidence," said Karine who was shy to smile.
• "They really put me at ease. The dentist was really very nice and did her best to help me,” said Benedicte, that really appreciated how she was received.

An extremely tangible, valuable and meaningful commitment
To highlight the way in which dentists contribute to this organization’s mission, the ACDQ made this video of three key actors discussing dentists’ involvement: Marie-Claude Barrette, spokesperson for the Fondation des Auberges du cœur, Cédric Desmarais, psychosocial support worker at the L’ Antre-Temps residence in Longueuil, and Dr. Trung Hieu Tran, owner of Rachel Dental Clinic in Montreal that regularly treats some of these young people.

About the ACDQ
The Association des chirurgiens dentistes du Québec (ACDQ) is the professional association that represents dentists in Quebec and defends their professional, economic and social interests. Its membership includes over 4,300 mostly generalist dentists who work in private clinics, but also public health dentists and pediatric dentists across Quebec.

About the Fondation des Auberges du cœur
The 32 Auberges du cœur across Quebec host approximately 3,600 12-to-35-year-olds every year. These young people are marked at varying degrees by family conflicts, addiction problems and mental health issues. Over the years, more than 90,000 young people have taken refuge in the residences. The Auberges du cœur work on all of the living conditions that drive these young people to the street and that undermine their social integration. Young residents work with psychosocial support workers, obtain guidance on how to become independent, take part in activities that encourage them to go back to school or enter the job market, and receive academic assistance.

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INFORMATIONS

ACDQ
Charles Brière-Garneau
514 282-1425, ext. 233
[email protected]

Fondation des Auberges du cœur
Michèle Noël
514 523-3659
[email protected]