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May 07, 2014 - 9:18 AM
KELOWNA - Poverty can limit access to services many take for granted, but with the help of the Gospel Mission Dental Clinic, there's three new reasons to smile in Kelowna.
The dental clinic is expanding from their current two chairs to five so more patients who would typically be excluded from care because of hardship can be treated.
"When we started the clinic ten years ago, we had no idea how many people in our area cannot afford access to dental care," Gospel Mission Executive Director Randy Benson said in a press release. " There is incredible need and with our small clinic, we are unable to meet those needs in a timely manner. Therefore, we are excited to expand our clinic from two to five full clinical operatory chairs."
The new clinic will offer a full-time staff dentist, providing a continuum of patient care and more opportunities for volunteer dental community services such as those provided by Dr. Emily Liu, volunteer with the clinic for more than a year.
"The patients inspire the dentists," Liu said. "They're so appreciative. It is amazing to see what happens at the clinic. We're very blessed that the clinic can expand, as it will mean even more resources."
Since opening in 2004, the clinic has provided $2 million in care and treated close to 3,000 patients.
Renovations are set to begin in May and should conclude in July. The re-opening is scheduled for August.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014