Comic Relief: How Art is Transforming Dental Health Awareness in Quebec
Picture this: a groundbreaking research initiative, standing at the intersection of art, science, and community. In Quebec, a pioneering institute is redefining the future of research through a multidisciplinary approach, fueled by a government mandate pushing for collaboration across sectors.
Welcome to the Intersectoral Network for Oral and Bone Sustainable Health Research, affectionately known as RiSBOd. This dynamic group is breaking down the barriers between scientists, policymakers, and the community at large. A shining example of their creativity? The Art and Science Committee, which transforms complex research into engaging comics. “One of our comics was even featured in Quebec’s Journal of Dental Hygienists,” shares Dr. Christophe Bedos, co-director of RiSBOd and Professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Dental Medicine.
“It’s essential for scientists to present their findings in a way that resonates with the public and clinicians alike,” Bedos continues. “We explore various mediums—podcasts, videos, and even poetry—to make research outcomes accessible and impactful.”
“Transforming society means involving people beyond researchers.”
A Major Boost in Funding
This vibrant network is on the rise, having recently secured a staggering $900,000 in funding from the Quebec government—an impressive doubling of their budget for 2024. This financial backing is part of a broader trend in Canada, where academic research thrives primarily through public funding.
“The government is keen on improving health outcomes, particularly in dental health, which is where our research comes in,” explains Dr. Florina Moldovan, RiSBOd co-director and a faculty member at the University of Montreal. “Our mission is to unite diverse networks to foster intersectoral collaboration,” she emphasizes.
“Our aim is to create a meaningful impact and drive societal transformation,” Bedos adds, noting that RiSBOd strives to enhance oral health by tackling a spectrum of health determinants, from nutrition and healthcare access to climate change and emerging technologies.
“Transforming society requires involving individuals beyond just researchers. We must integrate decision-makers and community members into our projects,” he elaborates.
Reinventing the Research Landscape
Founded in the 1990s, RiSBOd was among the first research networks in Quebec. With the landscape evolving, this year it stands out as one of just 15 networks supported by the Quebec government, collaborating across various fields to tackle urgent public health challenges. This marks a significant reduction from the previous tally of over 20 networks.
In a bold move in 2020, the Quebec government challenged all networks to reinvent themselves and rethink their governance, programs, and strategic priorities. While some struggled, the co-directors of RiSBOd view this transformation as a necessary evolution to better address significant societal issues. “Unfortunately, some networks did not thrive during this process,” Bedos notes.
In response to these changes, the network adopted a new name—RiSBOd, short for Réseau de recherche intersectorielle en santé buccodentaire et osseuse durable.
With over 100 researchers and about 300 students, predominantly from three major Quebec universities, RiSBOd fosters a rich environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Diverse Research Foci
Dr. Moldovan and Dr. Bedos bring unique expertise to the table.
Dr. Moldovan, who also heads the molecular biology laboratory at CHU Sainte Justine, is delving into bone diseases like osteoarthritis and rare diseases with oral manifestations, working on innovative therapeutic strategies.
Her lab has pioneered a tissue bank dedicated to gathering data on rare diseases, a crucial step toward bridging gaps in diagnosis and treatment.
In contrast, Dr. Bedos focuses on improving access to dental care for underserved populations and advancing person-centered, socially responsible dentistry.
In October, he announced a groundbreaking McGill project, aiming to calculate the carbon footprint of its operations, including community clinics, with the goal of becoming one of the world’s first fully sustainable dental faculties.
Bedos highlights the importance of intersectoral collaboration, noting the “natural alliance” formed between RiSBOd and networks specializing in autism. “When we create initiatives for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, consulting patients and their families is vital,” he asserts. “Addressing this condition presents challenges across all aspects of life, including dental care.”
With approximately 1 in 100 children affected by autism spectrum disorder globally, research indicates that these individuals often face significant challenges in maintaining good oral hygiene.
“Our goal is to mobilize knowledge and translate it into meaningful action. Once we gather useful information, how do we ensure it leads to real change?”
Navigating New Healthcare Realities
RiSBOd’s recent funding surge comes at a pivotal moment as Quebec re-evaluates its healthcare system. Current discussions focus on enhancing access to care, especially through programs like the Guichet d’accès à la première ligne (GAP), designed to assist residents without family doctors.
A report by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) revealed that around 500,000 Quebec residents in poor health lack a family doctor, prompting recommendations to shift up to 1.5 million annual appointments from those with doctors to those without.
As the population ages, Moldovan highlights additional concerns related to geriatrics and the management of rare diseases, making her tissue bank initiative all the more critical.
Statistics Canada reports that life expectancy in Quebec has risen slightly to 82.5 years but still trails behind the pre-pandemic level of 82.8 years. With aging processes contributing to an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including rare diseases, research has never been more crucial.
“It’s natural for dental research to encompass both bone and teeth as they are fundamentally intertwined.”
A Call for Change in Research Philosophy
Traditionally, researchers have been evaluated based on academic output rather than societal influence.
“We were never assessed on our potential to drive societal change, but that needs to evolve. We must consider how we can truly impact our communities,” Bedos asserts.
He’s even organizing a summer school aimed at equipping graduate students and educators with the skills to engage in intersectoral research and knowledge mobilization, including critical soft skills like media communication and social media management.
“How do we translate knowledge into actionable change? Once we acquire valuable insights, how do we ensure they facilitate real transformation?” he questions.
“Media inquiries about my research are frequent—how do I convey that information effectively? We’ve discussed extending invitations to researchers from across Canada for these sessions, though that decision is still in the works. I believe it’s imperative that all researchers, especially emerging ones, undergo this educational experience.”
Echoing this sentiment, Moldovan encourages students in dentistry and bone health to network actively, promoting intersectoral collaboration. “It’s essential to maintain a dual focus on bone and dental health, given their inherent connection,” she emphasizes. “Moreover, pain research is intricately linked to both fields, as pain management is vital in these areas.”
