If you have questions or need further resources, email info@bcdental.org for assistance.
BC Dental Association proudly provides support to NFP dental clinics that continue to increase access to oral health care to British Columbians throughout the province.
NFP dental clinics that obtain a Permit to Operate from the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) can access the following benefits, once they share the permit with the BCDA, including:
To access these benefits, clinics must have a valid ‘Permit to Operate’, issued by the 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 Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) grant funding administered by BCDA.
To learn more about obtaining a Permit to Operate, contact BCCOHP.
Funding for NFP Dental Clinics
Due to BCDA’s ongoing efforts, since 2017 the 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.
Currently, due to limited remaining funding, only applications from NFP dental clinics that meet the criteria for emergency capital expense grants are being accepted.
MSDPR specifies clinics that are eligible to receive the funding in each of its agreements with the BCDA, including the requirement to obtain and maintain a ‘Permit to Operate’ issue by the BCCOHP.
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.
NFP dental clinics rely on the generosity of many BCDA members that donate their time to provide services.
Each clinic has a unique arrangement with providers that treat clients at their location.
Note: Dentists must be fully licensed with the BCCOHP to provide services at these clinics. As of 2026, the Limited (Volunteer) Registration category for dentists is no longer available.
BCDA Dentist Membership
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 member with BCDA.
To view opportunities to practice at NFP clinics, members can access posting on BCDA’s Members site.
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.
Below is a list of additional resources to support your NFP dental clinic operations:
MSDPR dental plans and other resources (Income Assistance, Disability Assistance, Healthy Kids)
Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) Provider Resources
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Information
How to navigate Sun Life for claims submission
CDAnet and the Canadian Dental Association
Direct Deposit Setup for Major Insurance Companies
Resources for working with Persons with Disabilities
Dental reception, assisting and hygiene education programs
Seniors care resources
BCDA Reduced Cost Dental Clinics and BCDA member providers
Clinic Operations
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.
