The Region of Peel has made a significant upgrade to its mobile dental clinic that has serviced high needs areas of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon since 2006.

Although the region had a dental bus for 12 years, it was only able to operate from April to October because it's not winterized.

On Thursday, April 26, a new 40-foot winterized bus that will be able to run all year long was revealed outside of region headquarters.

"This gives families even more reason to smile," said Jessica Hopkins, medical officer of health for the region.

In Canada, three out of five children ages six to 11 have or have had cavities and many are neglected because of the high costs of dental care.

The new bus also includes two operatories, twice as many as the old one, and an X-ray machine. The bus will visit children in high need communities and schools throughout the region to provide preventive care by registered dental hygienists and certified dental assistants.

It will also provide service to shelters in need as well. The region invested $221,000 into the project.

"This is going to allow us to help remove barriers in those neighbourhoods, get out to schools and help these folks," Hopkins said.