The new lobby of Sun Valley Family Dentistry featuring Joann Little Art  (Vernon Matters photo)

By Kevin Rothwell

new look & name

Legacy Vernon dentist office polishes image

Feb 17, 2023 | 6:00 AM

A long-standing Vernon dental practice has a new look and a new name following months of renovations.

Dr. Dalen Quinton purchased an existing practice in the Sun Valley Centre in downtown Vernon 13 years ago.It had been Dr. R.Len Laidlaw’s practice since the building burned and was rebuilt about 40 years ago.

“We changed some flooring and wallpaper and paint, but little else was updated since Dalen bought the practice,” Angie Quinton told Vernon Matters.

The couple was at a cross-roads: move or renovate, and once it was decided they would stay, a full overhaul was in order.

“We fully renovated our entire space. Updated floors, paint, rooms, millwork, and countertops. We created an actually closed in office space for better organization and a private space to work on administration. Previously Dr. Quinton just had a little desk that was in between the lab and sterilization,” Quinton said.

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

6h ago

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

The significant renovation was not without challenges, a new electrical panel and sprinkler system were added to the original budget, and it had to be staged over several months to keep the practice operating.

“The construction company we chose to work with, TKI Construction, has experience in this department and had good references from previous clients. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised that dust and noise were kept to a minimum. They were very organized in partitioning the spaces in order for us to be able to keep operating while they were working,” Quinton stated.

“This was accomplished by doing a phased approach to the work. We had three phases, so we renovated 2 ops at a time while we continued to work with minimal disruption. Our front desk had to be mindful of our reduced capacity when booking, and they did a stand up job at that.”

The business tries to achieve a healthy work/life balance for staff and takes a team approach to their well-being.

“We also built a large staff room for us to enjoy, since we often have staff parties to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries of our office start dates. We are a fun loving group and love to have a space we can all enjoy together,” Quinton noted.

The business had operated as Dr. Quinton Dentistry Ltd, but with the updates and knowledge, the company was staying put, a rebrand was also in order.

“Dalen had wanted to create a new practice name for years. So we did that and also created a logo that was bright and fun with many colours for us to use in our office decorating,” Quinton stated.

“Being that we were committing to our space in the Sun Valley Mall, our entire staff decided that we love the name Sun Valley Family Dentistry and that it was time to add a great name to our quality practice and spruced up space. We worked with Jen at Graphic Enterprises to create a bright and inviting logo which we love.”

Sunvalley Family Dentistry logo (Vernon Matters photo)

The improvements to the aesthetics of the office are one part of the equation, and a lot of the funds went into the latest technology for the patients. In the past five years, a digital system, which allows for more in depth view of x-rays and also for quicker communication with labs, specialists and other offices, was installed. New dental chairs and, a high quality pan which allows a full mouth Xray in excellent detail. Sterilization equipment has also been upgraded.

There is also new digital scanner to mostly eliminate the need for messy impressions, and also an intra oral camera so clients are able to see pictures of the work that is actually going on it their mouth.

The practice is also using a cutting edge natural rinse called nano silver which aids in wound healing and fighting against bad bacteria in the mouth.

“On top of all of this, we are the only general dental office in Vernon that offers IV sedation. We work with phobic and special needs clients that benefit from this service. As well, it allows us to be able to offer wisdom teeth extractions in our office and we have all the safety training and equipment which allows us to do this,” Quinton explained.

That training likely saved the life of the building caretaker who had collapsed on the first floor of the Sun Valley Centre a few years ago. A bystander summoned Dr. Quinton and he went into action.

“He grabbed his AED (automated external defibrillator) and ran down and was able to resuscitate the man due to the AED, his training, and the help of a nurse who happened to be in the building,” Quinton said.