British Columbians with low incomes will be able to receive the dental care they need with the help from a $2.8 million investment from the provincial government.
On Wednesday, the province announced that the money would be provided to the BC Dental Association (BCDA) which will distribute the funds to 21 not-for-profit clinics over the next three years.
The BCDA supports the not-for-profit clinics by providing materials, helping with dental lab fees and the purchase of equipment like sterilization and X-ray machines.
A release from the province explained that these clinics provided dental care to people with low incomes for free or at a reduced rate more than 47,000 times last year.
“Everyone should be able to visit the dentist and money shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing that care,” said Nicholas Simons, minister of social development and poverty reduction.
“Having healthy teeth is about confidence, dignity and overall well-being.”
Simons noted that BC was still awaiting details on how the federal government will begin providing similar services to those with low incomes.
For a list of reduced cost clinics in the Okanagan, Northern BC, the Island, the Lower Mainland and more, visit this link.
