Media Release
ÄûÃʵ¼º½ students provide free preventative dental care for children across Vancouver
- ÄûÃʵ¼º½ is opening its doors to provide complimentary preventative dental treatment for elementary school children across Vancouver
- The event supports families facing barriers to accessing dental care and teaches children lifelong oral health habits
Vancouver – June 9, 2025: ÄûÃʵ¼º½ (ÄûÃʵ¼º½) 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
ÄûÃʵ¼º½’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 ÄûÃʵ¼º½’s on-campus dental clinic. Services are delivered by ÄûÃʵ¼º½’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 ÄûÃʵ¼º½ ‘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 ÄûÃʵ¼º½, 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 ÄûÃʵ¼º½ students valuable hands-on experience, whilst allowing us to give back to Vancouver’s community in a meaningful way.”
“Vancouver School Board is extremely grateful to ÄûÃʵ¼º½ for its continued support in promoting the health and wellbeing of children across Vancouver,” says Helen McGregor, Superintendent, Vancouver School Board. “This annual event not only gives children access to much-needed dental care, but also helps families build lifelong habits for good oral health.”
Funding for the Tooth Trolley event is made possible through a grant from the ÄûÃʵ¼º½ Foundation. ÄûÃʵ¼º½’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 ÄûÃʵ¼º½ Foundation or make a donation online.
Contact
Lorena Dexter Chaichian
Email: ldexterchaichian@vcc.ca
Phone: 604.369.1763
About Dentistry at ÄûÃʵ¼º½
ÄûÃʵ¼º½ offers comprehensive educational programming in dental health designed to prepare students for success in various facets of the dental industry. From dental assisting to hygiene, reception, and dental technology sciences, our curriculum offers a holistic approach to dental education. Learn more: /programscourses/health-sciences/dental/
ÄûÃʵ¼º½’s Dental Clinic, located at its Downtown campus, is also open to the public. It offers quality, low-cost dental care. Services are delivered by students from ÄûÃʵ¼º½'s dental hygiene program under the guidance of experienced instructors.
About ÄûÃʵ¼º½ Foundation
Founded in 1983, the ÄûÃʵ¼º½ Foundation is a registered charitable organization and partner to ÄûÃʵ¼º½ (ÄûÃʵ¼º½). With the support of a community of donors, the ÄûÃʵ¼º½ Foundation raises funds to support new buildings, classroom equipment, and special projects, as well as scholarships, bursaries, and awards. As student needs are identified, the Foundation works to find funding that provides financial relief and support for ÄûÃʵ¼º½ students.
About ÄûÃʵ¼º½
ÄûÃʵ¼º½ (ÄûÃʵ¼º½) is one of British Columbia's largest and oldest public post-secondary institutions, offering over 140 programs across a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, hospitality, trades, design, and arts. With a focus on hands-on, industry-relevant learning, ÄûÃʵ¼º½ is committed to providing students with real-world experience that leads to meaningful employment. Real learning for real change. www.vcc.ca/welcome
1 Voice Of The Dental Patient In British Columbia. B.C. College of Oral Health Professionals. 2023. Available at: [Accessed June 2025]
2 Factors associated with the use of oral health care services among Canadian children and youth. Murphy, K., Gondro, J., and Moharrami, M. Statistics Canada. 2024. Available at: [Accessed June 2025]