Dental Clinics Get Funding Boost

By Corey Fischer

Mar 20, 2019 | 2:13 PM

Vernon’s not for profit dental clinic is among 24 such facilities in BC that will be getting more funding from the province.

The government is providing $3.6 million over three years to the BC Dental Association, which includes an annual grant of $20,000 for each clinic to help offset costs.

“The increase doubles the amount the clinics received in 2017,” says a government release.

Two million dollars will be spent to upgrade equipment in the clinics which provide dental treatment for free, or at reduced rates, to low-income families.

“Too often, people living in poverty cannot afford to take proper care of their teeth because they have to put the basics like food and shelter first,” says Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

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“Access to quality, affordable dental health and hygiene care should be available to more people, and that’s why we’re making it a part of this government’s efforts to reduce poverty throughout B.C. This investment in community-based dental services will support not-for-profit dental providers across the province and benefit thousands of low-income families, children and seniors over the next three years.”

Vernon’s Community Dental Access Centre is located at 3107C 31st Avenue.

Last year, BC’s not-for-profit dental clinics provided affordable, quality dental-care services during about 54,000 patient visits.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

by Corey Fischer