As part of Oral Health Month, National Dental Hygienists Week highlighted the 2025 theme “Oral Health for Total Health” - a powerful reminder for Canadians to view dental hygiene as an essential part of overall well-being.
To bring this message to life, The Eagle sat down with Dr. Gurpreet Sandhu of Mila Dental, a modern, patient-focused clinic in Cochrane committed to transforming smiles and improving health through preventative care and education.
“I agree completely with this theme,” said Dr. Sandhu. “Oral health and systemic health are so interconnected. The bacteria in our mouth can travel through the bloodstream and impact our overall health - for example, worsening heart conditions or even increasing the risk of stroke.”
She also noted the strong link between oral health and diabetes, which can be both affected by and contribute to poor oral hygiene.
“But it’s not just about preventing serious conditions. Healthy teeth and gums improve your quality of life,” Dr. Sandhu continued. “Good oral health helps you eat better, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. A healthy smile is often the first thing people notice.”
The Mila Dental Difference: Skilled Team, Personalized Care
Since opening in October 2024, Mila Dental has quickly become a trusted destination for families and individuals in Cochrane. The clinic is led by Dr. Gurpreet Sandhu, who received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (Magna cum Laude) from Boston University in 2012. After years of practicing in Calgary, she brought her passion for dentistry to Cochrane - a growing community.
Mila Dental’s strength lies not only in its technology or services - it lies in its dedicated team.
“We’ve built a team of professionals who are compassionate, skilled, and deeply invested in patient care,” said Dr. Sandhu. “From the front desk to our dental assistants and hygienists, everyone at Mila Dental is committed to creating a positive, stress-free experience.”
The team also believes strongly in patient education and regularly uses social media platforms to share oral health tips, answer questions, and keep the community engaged.
A Full-Service Clinic with Direct Insurance Billing
Mila Dental offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support every stage of oral health, including: Dental cleanings and exams, fillings and extractions, full and partial dentures, dental implants, Invisalign clear aligners, night guards and sports mouthguards, fluoride treatments and sealants, sedation dentistry for anxious patients and neuromodulator services.
To make care more accessible, Mila Dental provides direct insurance billing, allowing patients to focus on their health without added financial stress.
“We know that navigating insurance can be overwhelming,” Dr. Sandhu said. “That’s why we offer direct billing - we want to make it as easy as possible for people to prioritize their oral health.”
Prevention Starts at Home
While dental checkups every six months are important, Dr. Sandhu emphasizes that daily home care is the foundation of a healthy smile.
“Brush twice a day, floss at least at night, ideally morning too and consider adding a water flosser and weekly fluoride rinse,” she advised. “It’s the little things that make a big difference over time.”
She also explained that hardened plaque, known as calculus, can build up on teeth if not professionally removed and lead to gum inflammation, or gingivitis. The good news?
“Gingivitis is totally reversible if caught early. Watch for signs like bleeding gums or a white layer on your teeth - those are early red flags.”
A Community Dental Clinic That Feels Like Family
Located at 239 Griffin Rd., Unit #4141, Mila Dental is proud to serve the Cochrane community with compassion and care.
“We chose Cochrane because it’s a vibrant, growing town full of amazing people,” said Dr. Sandhu. “Many of our patients are incredibly proactive with their oral care. Some even come in more often than recommended, which is wonderful to see.”
Whether you’re due for a checkup, exploring Invisalign, or simply looking for a family-friendly clinic that puts patients first, Mila Dental is here for you - with a smile.
