If you have questions or need further resources, email info@bcdental.org for assistance.
Due to BCDA’s ongoing efforts, since 2017 the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) has been providing the BCDA multi-year funding to support the province’s existing and upcoming not-for-profit (NFP) dental clinics with operational and capital expenses.
MSDPR specifies clinics that are eligible to receive the funding in each of its agreements with the BCDA. These clinics must have a valid ‘Permit to Operate’, issued by the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP), who also renews this permit annually for each clinic after reviewing their financial and administrative information.
Similarly, any new clinic that would like to establish itself as an NFP dental clinic in the province also has to provide BCCOHP with its business plan and other relevant documents in order to receive its initial Permit to Operate. Following which they are eligible to access the MSDPR grant funding administered by BCDA.
To learn more about obtaining a Permit to Operate, contact BCCOHP. To learn more about the steps involved in establishing an NFP dental clinic, review this guide [link to top 10 operational issues document].
Currently, due to limited remaining funding, only applications from NFP dental clinics that meet the criteria for emergency capital expense grants are being accepted.
Additional Funding
In addition to government sources and grants, clinics may have to rely on the balance of funding needs being met through other sources including private and corporate donors. BCDA can provide letters of support for clinics applying for funding. Please contact info@bcdental.org or 604-736-7202 if your clinic would like BCDA’s support.
Many NFP dental clinics rely on the generosity of BCDA members that donate their time to provide services…
The BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) now offers a Limited (Volunteer) Registration category for dentists. There is no application or registration fee for dentists presently or previously registered with BCCOHP; however, dentists must have malpractice insurance and meet the minimum Quality Assurance requirements, which include Continuing Education (90 credits in the past three-year cycle) and Continuous Practice (900 hours in the preceding three years). Dentists who have not fulfilled the Continuous Practice requirement may still be eligible by submitting a proposal to the Registration Committee outlining specific circumstances for establishing competence in lieu of meeting those requirements. Limited (Volunteer) Registration is also available to dentists who have never been registered in BC, as long as all registration requirements are met. For further information, contact BCCOHP at 604-736-3621.
Volunteer Membership provides access to certain BCDA programs and services. The BCDA’s mandate is to serve its members and educate the public and government on dentistry-related issues. Get more information on becoming a Volunteer Member with the BCDA.
BCDA hosts an annual NFP Dental Clinic Conference to provide clinic staff and volunteers an opportunity to network and share best practices. For details about the next workshop and to attend, contact BCDA at info@bcdental.org or 604-736-7202.
Opening and operating a not for profit dental clinic involves a great deal of planning, preparation and ongoing management of resources. Information in this US-based Safety Net Dental Clinic Manual may be useful.
Pacific Blue Cross Resources
Patients with increasingly complex medical conditions are presenting for dental care at NFP clinics.
Dental staff must be prepared to assess the relevance of medical conditions and medications to ensure safe and appropriate dental treatment is provided to the patient. A complete medical history and evaluation should be undertaken and any questions followed up with the patient or by consulting with the patient’s physician.
This evaluation will help to determine what, if any, treatment modifications should be undertaken before, during and after dental treatment, e.g. taking antibiotics prior to treatment or clotting agents after extractions.
