Vancouver Community College (VCC) is providing free dental services for elementary school children from across the city to address the growing number of B.C. children with limited access to dental care.
A recent B.C. College of Oral Health Professionals report highlights that one in four B.C. residents haven't visited a dentist in the last year.[1] A large percentage of Canadian children under five have never been to the dentist.[2]
VCC's annual Tooth Trolley event, running from June 9 -12, gives children from schools selected by Vancouver School Board access to free check-ups and treatment at VCC's on-campus dental clinic. Services are delivered by VCC's Certified Dental Assisting students under supervision, and include individualized oral health instructions, polishing, scaling, fissure sealants, and even simple extractions when needed.
The event aims not only to improve access to care but also to ease dental anxiety and foster better oral hygiene practices. Children are welcomed by VCC tooth fairies' and receive healthy snacks as part of their visit.
"We all know someone who dreads going to the dentist. That's why at VCC, we emphasize the importance of soft skills like easing anxiety and building trust alongside technical training, to ensure children feel comfortable visiting their dentist," says Ling Lo Yan, Department Head, Dental Assisting and Dental Reception programs. "Hosting this dental care event each year gives VCC students valuable hands-on experience, whilst allowing us to give back to Vancouver's community in a meaningful way."
Funding for the Tooth Trolley event is made possible through a grant from the VCC Foundation. VCC's dental clinic is open to the public, offering quality, low-cost dental screening and basic hygiene care from as little as $30.
Interested in donating to next year's Tooth Trolley? Please contact the VCC Foundation or make a donation online.
