Over the past 15 years, basic dental care offered at Sources Volunteer Dental Clinic in White Rock has put smiles back on the faces of thousands of people.
Dentists who pitch in have no doubt the services are appreciated. Referred through Sources, the patients are "unbelievably grateful," said Dr. Warren Ennis.
"It's so worthwhile."
And while demand for the program hasn't wavered over the years – as evidenced by a wait list that currently numbers in the hundreds – it's unfortunately a different story when it comes to recruiting professionals who have the expertise to help ease the caseload.
Just over five years ago, when the clinic marked 10 years, there were eight dentists pitching in, committing to six four-hour shifts per year. Now, Ennis is one of just two dentists donating time to provide the services. A third, founder Ken Stones, remains committed to doing everything possible to keep it running.
"It's good work that we do, and the patients are incredibly grateful," Stones said.
"We just need a few people to come forward."
The clinic – offering services ranging from pain relief and restorations, to extractions and cleaning – opened in 2009 at Peace Arch Hospital to assist those who struggle to afford or access basic dental care.
Stones kick-started it after realizing, while volunteering at a similar clinic in Abbotsford, that suitable space to offer the service locally existed in the hospital’s Weatherby Pavilion.
While everything ran fairly smoothly for more than a decade, recent years have brought challenges.
Stones cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as among "hiccups" in the clinic's operations. The two-year shutdown resulted in "a lot" of lost momentum, and it's been a struggle ever since, he said.
He and Ennis hope that sharing word of the need will turn the tide. With more than 100 dentists currently practising in the community, if even a handful sign on, the impact would be tremendous.
"If we can get back to eight or nine, or something like that, that'd be perfect," Stones said.
In addition to reaching out through Peace Arch News, they're hoping connecting personally with their peers and the distribution of a new handout appealing for dentists to "help us take care of the less fortunate" will help boost capacity.
They also plan to ask the B.C. Dental Association for additional assistance in getting the word out.
Ennis, a dentist for the past 43 years who has been volunteering monthly since the clinic opened, described the work as gratifying.
"The stories I hear … are amazing stories. And the fact that they can come in and smile with the history they have, that amazes me."
While he and Stones were both hopeful that recent expansion of the federal dental plan could soon eliminate the need for the clinic, Ennis said word of cutbacks to the program have lessened his optimism.
Launched last spring, the plan was initially promised to cover all uninsured Canadians with an annual household income of under $90,000 by the end of 2024. As of Friday (Feb. 7), it's open to those older than 65, younger than 18 and adults with a federal Disability Tax Credit certificate for 2023, according to information at canada.ca
"I think there's going to be a lot of people who fall through the cracks of that program," Ennis said. "It's a great idea and the program is great, but the costs are commensurate."
Dentists interested in volunteering at the clinic may contact Stone at wethestoke@gmail.com or 604-535-8500, or Sources at sourcesdentalclinic@sourcesbc.ca
Anyone wanting to book an appointment – the clinic is currently only open on Saturdays – is asked to contact Sources Volunteer Services at 604-542-4357 or help@sourcesbc.ca
For more information, visit sourcesbc.ca
