Not for Profit Clinics - BCDA Public Site

Not-for-Profit Clinic Resources

If you have questions or need further resources, email info@bcdental.org for assistance.

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Funding

As a result of BCDA’s ongoing efforts, in 2019, the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction announced a funding of $3.6 million to support BC’s existing (22) and upcoming not-for-profit dental clinics over the next three years, as a part of provincial government’s Poverty Reduction Plan. The funding is being administered by the BCDA and goes beyond supporting ministry clients on Disability and Income Assistance; to include other vulnerable residents of British Columbia. The funding includes:

An annual grant of $20,000 for each clinic over the next three years to help offset the costs of materials and dental lab fees required to provide services to financially vulnerable people. The increase doubles the amount the clinics received in 2017.
Approximately $2 million over three years to support capital needs such as equipment like X-ray machines, dental chairs, pediatric equipment and computer software for the electronic submission of dental forms.

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.

Volunteer Dentistry

BC College of Oral Health Professionals BCCOHP

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.

BCDA’s Volunteer Dentist Membership

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.

Annual Workshop

BCDA hosts an annual NFP Clinic Workshop 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.

Clinic Operations

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

- Registration Process
- Application Form & Memorandum of Understanding

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.