B.C. providing grants for non-profit dental clinics

British Columbia is investing in dental care through a new program to serve the most vulnerable.

The province has committed $2.8 million over three years to support B.C. Dental Association’s 21 not-for-profit dental clinics throughout the province.

“This funding will help bring stability to clinics as they continue to weather challenging times in the post-pandemic recovery period,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits, Niki Sharma.

“Clinics will have access to $25,000 annual operating grants to help with costs such as materials and dental lab fees. This includes any new, not-for-profit dental clinics that open its doors.”

It was also noted that approximately $1.1 million of the total funding will be used specifically for capital needs, such as sterilization and x-ray machines, dental instruments, and pediatric equipment.

Non-profit dental clinics provided low-income British Columbians with free or reduced-rate dental care more than 47,600 times in 2021.

“This important funding means that more people will have increased access to routine and urgent dental services,” explained Sharma, adding that the investment will support more than just a person’s health.

“Access to dental services is more than just practical: healthy teeth and a beautiful smile contribute to feeling good about ourselves physically, emotionally and socially. When we invest in dental care for everyone, we’re investing in human dignity and that is something we’re committed to doing for all British Columbians.”

The BCDA operates two non-profit dental clinics in the area; the Community Dental Access Centre in Vernon and the Kelowna Gospel Mission Dental Clinic.