The Kelowna Gospel Mission (KGM) is opening its doors to the public this week, but not for another community dinner.
In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the organization’s dental clinic, staff are inviting anyone and everyone to stop by and learn more about the work being done to provide dental care for those in need within our community.
The clinic, which is not only being utilized by Gospel Mission residents, offers everything from cleanings and check-ups to x-rays, extractions, fillings and restorative work — all at a fraction of the cost from your everyday dental office.
“We give those an opportunity to see a dentist, get the work that they need done, all at a greatly reduced fee,” said Sonya Menyes, development officer with the KGM.
Recently, the clinic went through some internal restructuring in order to better accommodate those who utilize it.
In addition to offering dental care for individuals experiencing homelessness and those with ministry coverage, they are now offering a reduced fee for those in a lower income bracket with no access to benefit coverage.
Over the last year, the clinic has been able to help 2,675 patients, from children to seniors and everyone in between.
“I think it is a very important service within the community, we get calls every day from people in extreme pain who have nowhere else to turn because they don’t have the fund to visit a typical dentist office,” said Menyes.
The open house event will take place this Friday, Jan. 24 from 11 am to 2 pm, and will provide visitors the opportunity to learn more about the clinic’s operations from the dental manager, tour the facility and learn more about the services provided.
“We are hoping other service providers within the community come out, we would love to be able to collaborate with them and have them refer clients to us,” said Menyes.
“Dental health is so important to overall health, and we want people to know there is a place to go for those who may not be able to afford it.”
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