Community Dental Access Centre

Community Dental Access Centre We operate a non-profit dental health centre for North Okanagan residents experiencing financial and other barriers to dental health care. View video.

For many low-income residents in Canada access to basic dental care is not a reality. There is no universal dental coverage for those without the means to pay for oral care. The need for dental care for low-income people in the North Okanagan is great. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVtAYNPS7fM

The following is an excerpt from a report titled “Healthy Teeth for Healthy Eating” produced July 2007 in Nelson BC by Ruth Beck:

Oral Disorders can cause pain, infection and tooth loss, limited food choices and overall nutrition, impair social relationships, reduce self esteem, and reduce attendance at work and school.1 Poor oral health has been linked with diabetes2 heart disease, stroke and increased risk for having a low birth-weight baby3

Having Healthy teeth is a pre-requisite for healthy eating. Among Canadians 18 and over, 13% have problems chewing. One in three seniors can not chew a full range of foods 4 increasing risks for compromised nutrition and overall health. Did you know that even children as young as 9 months old can get tooth decay5. Very young children receive dental treatment in hospital or specialized clinics under sedation. The annual cost to the private and public combined in treating children four and under is over $10 million in British Columbia 6

The Community Dental Access Centre was the vision of the Community Dental Access Steering Committee which was under the umbrella of the First Nations Friendship Centre Society in Vernon. Work began on the initiative in September 2006. Over thirty agencies and organizations have joined together to make the Community Dental Access Centre become a reality. In December 2010, a non-profit society was formed and registered.

1 Locker, D & Matear, D.; “Oral disorders, systemic health, well-being and quality of life; a summary of recent research evidence”, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 2001,pp. I, 19, 24, 29
2 Mathews, D.; “The Relationship between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease”, Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, 2002, p. 162 http://www.picosearch.com/cgi-bin/ts.pl?index=311217&query=Diabetes
3 Locker, D. & Matear, D.; p.i http://www.caphd-acsdp.org/articles1.html
4 Locker, D. & Matear, D.; p.ii http://www.caphd-acsdp.org/articles1.html
5 & 6 www.kidsmiles.ca (Developed by the Canadian Dental Association and the Government of BC)

Bring your receipts to Community Dental to help us raise funds for those needing dental care in our community!
03/24/2026

Bring your receipts to Community Dental to help us raise funds for those needing dental care in our community!

03/21/2026

Today is a reminder that a healthy smile is so much more than a cosmetic choice—it’s a reflection of our overall well‑being. Our mouths are the gateway to our bodies, influencing everything from confidence and communication to heart health and daily comfort.

This day encourages us to pause and appreciate the small habits that make a big difference: brushing with care, flossing with intention, staying hydrated, and showing up for those regular check‑ups. Oral health isn’t just about avoiding problems; it’s about investing in a future where we can speak, laugh, eat, and live freely.

🧡Here’s to celebrating the power of prevention, the beauty of a confident smile, and the simple routines that keep us healthy from the inside out. Let’s spread awareness, share knowledge, and inspire healthier habits—one smile at a time.

Save your Butcher Boy receipts and bring them to our office. Every contribution helps!
03/20/2026

Save your Butcher Boy receipts and bring them to our office. Every contribution helps!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Community Dental! May you find a four-leafed clover, and follow a rainbow to something incr...
03/16/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Community Dental! May you find a four-leafed clover, and follow a rainbow to something incredible!

We’re celebrating World Oral Health Day this week! Oral health affects overall health. It’s important to care for your m...
03/16/2026

We’re celebrating World Oral Health Day this week! Oral health affects overall health. It’s important to care for your mouth. Book your appointment to see us!

Community Dental will be closed for the weekend and on Monday, March 16th. We’re open again on Tuesday, March 17th. See ...
03/13/2026

Community Dental will be closed for the weekend and on Monday, March 16th. We’re open again on Tuesday, March 17th. See you then!

Thank you Dr. Hopkins for your work in support of our community and for leading our team of dental professionals at the ...
03/09/2026

Thank you Dr. Hopkins for your work in support of our community and for leading our team of dental professionals at the clinic. We’re thankful for you every day! 💛🦷

Last week we celebrated our CDAs at the office. We’re fortunate to have Sher, Trish and Loris on our team of caring dent...
03/09/2026

Last week we celebrated our CDAs at the office. We’re fortunate to have Sher, Trish and Loris on our team of caring dental professionals. Thank you for all you do at Community Dental! 💛💛💛

Community Dental will be closed on Friday, March 6th for professional development. We are open again on Monday, March 9t...
03/04/2026

Community Dental will be closed on Friday, March 6th for professional development. We are open again on Monday, March 9th. We hope you have a great weekend!

Community Dental is raising funds in partnership with Bloom Thyme Nursery. Flower Baskets are available for $35, and ca...
03/01/2026

Community Dental is raising funds in partnership with Bloom Thyme Nursery. Flower Baskets are available for $35, and can be picked up on Tuesday, May 5th between 10am -12pm/noon. Just in time for Mother's Day! The flower baskets are always beautiful, and your support means so much!
Order here: https://tinyurl.com/2vj97bhx

Please spread the word! We'll be collecting orders until March 20th.

May this Lunar New Year be the start of a joyful year full of cherished memories and fresh opportunities.
02/17/2026

May this Lunar New Year be the start of a joyful year full of cherished memories and fresh opportunities.

Address

3107C 31st Avenue
Vernon, BC
V1T2G9

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3:30am
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+17784757779

Website

https://lnk.bio/CommunityDental

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