Beyond Smiles was a research launch event held at OCAD University sharing our findings looking at access issues experienced by survivors of intimate partner violence in the dental care settings. It featured artwork created by the study participants. A panel discussion followed the exhibition with gender-based violence advocates, providers and persons with lived experience of violence, exploring opportunities to support healing and justice for survivors in dental care settings.

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A reception for networking was held after the exhibition and panel discussion. Providing an excellent opportunity to engage with other professionals to exchange insights and explore potential collaborations. 

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What is Restoring Smiles?

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The Restoring Smiles program is an initiative developed by the

Dr. Borna Meisami Commemorative Foundation – a not-for-profit

organization based in Toronto. The aim of the Restoring Smiles

program is to provide free dental and oro-facial reconstructive

services to women who experienced IPV and live in shelters or

supportive housing. The Restoring Smiles program provides 

comprehensive gold standard dental care, which includes long-term

restorative treatments, such as crown and bridge, dental implants,

orthodontic treatment and maxillofacial (jaw) surgery. The goal

is to eliminate pain, restore function and proper speech, and to

some extent, alleviate the emotional trauma resulting from IPV.

Since 2019, approximately 145 IPV survivors have been treated.

 

The Research Project 

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In collaboration with Restoring Smiles, phase one of our research focused on understanding the dental care experiences of racialized women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). We aimed to identify the barriers they face in accessing dental care and use this insight to inform policies and improve care for these women. Through interviews with survivors and discussions with service providers, we centered the voices and lived experiences of racialized women, highlighting the obstacles they face and the factors that help them overcome these challenges. The findings have the potential to drive meaningful changes in dental practice and policy, ensuring better support and more accessible, culturally competent care for IPV survivors.

 

Phase two introduced an arts-based research method, using visual storytelling to give participants a safe space for self-expression and deeper exploration of their experiences, especially those that are hard to put into words. A 2-hour workshop, held in June 2024 at the University of Toronto, involved eight participants who created self-portrait collages to reflect on their personal journeys. The activity encouraged participants to select materials and images that intuitively resonated with their experiences, enabling them to interpret their stories in a creative, non-directive way. This workshop deepened our understanding of their experiences with dental care and how they view themselves within the context of IPV. This exhibition displays the collages and reflections created in that workshop.