About Us
Our mission is to provide affordable urgent dental care by Volunteer Dentists to low income Torontonians who have nowhere else to turn.
Filling the Gap Dental Outreach is a non-profit organization that uses existing community dental clinics in locations across the city to provide affordable dental treatment to those facing financial as well as non-financial barriers to care. Seniors, students, people experiencing homelessness, Canadians who do not file with the CRA and other undocumented individuals are just some of the vulnerable groups we serve. We welcome Dentists and hygienists at all stages of their careers to volunteer with Filling the Gap Dental Outreach.
Our Impact
in 2023
Emergency Visits
Hours Volunteered
Teeth Restored
Emergency Extractions
Dental Cleanings
Saved Toronto Public Health
Why The Gap?
20% of Ontarians report they cannot afford a dental visit.
A complex landscape of benefits and plans leaves many Ontarians without care due to the financial and non-financial barriers they face. We are here to help navigate to their best oral health.
A complex landscape of benefits and plans leaves many Ontarians without care due to the financial and non-financial barriers they face. We are here to help navigate to their best oral health.
Our Story
It all started in 2007 with a donated dental chair and a dental assistant in Scarborough, Toronto.
A coalition of community partners had recognized the need to help the growing number of Torontonians who suffer with debilitating tooth pain and infection without having anywhere to turn for dental care due to gaps that exist in the Canadian healthcare system. This joint venture was called the Urban Dental Clinic.
The program expanded in 2017, relocating to a larger space alongside our partners, the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Healthcare, and adding three dental chairs. Volunteer dentists and hygienists provided vital services to patients unable to access care through private or government plans.
In 2020, Filling the Gap Dental Outreach was established as a certified charity and a second clinic was opened in partnership with the Rexdale Hub Community Health Centre in the GTA in order to reach more people in need.
Our Future Goals
Our Team
Our Board
Dr. Amanda Morel, Founder and Director
As a practicing dentist in Toronto, I was surprised to discover that low-income patients often fall between the cracks when it comes to accessing dental care. In 2012, I joined a team of volunteer dentists at a low-cost clinic in Scarborough. Through this experience I was able to see the impact of our dental care on the smiles, confidence, and lives of our patients. It became clear to me that the need for this valuable service extends beyond the Scarborough area. This led to the vision for Filling the Gap Dental Outreach, enabling local access to dental care for low-income Torontonians across the GTA. My motivation stems from my Christian faith and I am excited to see the impact of this service on the lives of those most vulnerable in our city.
Paul Wismer, Treasurer
As an accountant, currently working at Norton McMullen, I am excited to be able to use my accounting skills to serve on the board of Filling the Gap Dental Outreach. I have always been passionate about helping underprivileged and marginalized individuals whom society has a tendency to neglect or overlook. I am excited to be part of the team at Filling the Gap Dental Outreach because of this organization’s Christ-like approach to caring for the practical needs of those in our community.
Tim Morel, Volunteer
I am pleased to be able to use my corporate and entrepreneurial experience to contribute to this charity. My belief is that all people should be able to access basic dental care regardless of race, creed or financial standing. Filling the Gap Dental Outreach offers a creative way to address this problem within the GTA. My inspiration comes from the command of Jesus to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’.
Ara Jeknavorian, Board Secretary
Filling the Gap provides much-needed help to those that do not have easy access to vital dental care. I am honoured to be able to contribute my skills and passion to this team to help with the vision that provides this service. I am a project manager and hold a management position at Oliver Wyman Vector, a Marsh McClennen business.
Featured Publications
