Kelowna Gospel Mission Dental Clinic celebrates 15 years

The most marginalized people in Kelowna have had a place to get dental work done for the past 15 years, thanks to a handful of dedicated people.

The clinic on Leon Avenue has come a long way from just offering pain and infection control for the clients of the Kelowna Gospel Mission, now offering full dental services for all lower income members of the community.

“It just kept growing and the need in the community is expanding and growing,” said clinic manager Julie DelPuppo, adding they saw nearly 3,000 patients come through their doors last year.

“Low income wage earners, young families, seniors, and all the people who seem to be falling through the cracks with the lack of affordable dentistry."

The dental clinic is the only non-profit of its kind in Kelowna, with similar clinics in Vernon and Penticton. The Kelowna services are funded by the Gospel Mission, along with some funds from the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. Those who can't afford to pay are given free services, while low income earners pay discounted rates, depending on their income.

“Those who cannot afford, we're here to help them as well. Nobody will be turned away,” DelPuppo said.

“We support the shelter, we have lots of guests that use the clinic. We're here for them. There would be absolutely no charge for them to come. We get them out of pain.”

With five chairs and a full-time dentist, DelPuppo says the clinic is actually underutilized these days. She encourages others in the community, who make less than $21,000 per year, to come by for discounted dental work.

“We're here to service the entire community,” she said.