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Artist Ibe Ananaba stands in front of the mural he created for the Faculty of Dentistry (Bruce Bottomley photos)

The Faculty of Dentistry and GreenShield commemorated seven years of partnership by unveiling a specially commissioned mural in the Dentistry Building on October 16, 2024. Representatives from GreenShield and the Faculty of Dentistry attended the event.

Since 2017, GreenShield has supported clinics in the Dentistry Building and outreach clinics in the north end of Halifax, Dartmouth, and North Preston, helping our Faculty to provide more oral health care for priority populations. The most recent grant, which started in December 2022, has enabled these clinics to help 2,564 patients.

"We know the services we provide through these clinics make a difference," said Dr. Ben Davis, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, "particularly to those who would otherwise have difficulties accessing oral health care. With GreenShield’s help, we are doing more for more people and making it easier for those who need our services to have access to them."

JP Girard, executive vice-president and head of insurance at GreenShield, spoke about the importance of partnership as a means of expanding GreenShield’s impact and enabling it to be a "stronger force for good".

Poor oral health can lead to many physical and mental health issues that will ultimately cost the health system more, Girard said. These issues would also have a large social impact, he added, including reduced confidence and job prospects for people who lack access to preventative services and treatment.

l to r: Dr. Ben Davis, Ibe Ananaba, JP Girard

Intertwined values
Artist Ibe Ananaba was selected as the artist for the project, the aim of which was to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, patients, and everyone who works in the Faculty.

Speaking about the "transformative power of art" Ananaba said that "the overarching goal of this mural transcends mere aesthetics or beautification of the space. While it does both, it boldly reflects the core and intertwined values that shape GreenShield and Dal Dentistry in advocacy for hope, good health, safety, and sustainability."

The values, principles and belief in "better health for all" that GreenShield and the Faculty of Dentistry share are now captured in the mural, which is on display on the wall of the level 1 reception and waiting area.

"Every day it will remind us – and our patients – of our commitment to them and their health," said Dr. Davis.