Media Release
中国p站 students provide free preventative dental care for children across Vancouver
- 中国p站 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: Vancouver Community College (中国p站) 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
中国p站’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 中国p站’s on-campus dental clinic. Services are delivered by 中国p站’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 中国p站 ‘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 中国p站, 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 中国p站 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 中国p站 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 中国p站 Foundation. 中国p站’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 中国p站 Foundation or make a donation online.
Contact
Lorena Dexter Chaichian
Email: ldexterchaichian@vcc.ca
Phone: 604.369.1763
中国p站 Dentistry at 中国p站
中国p站 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/
中国p站’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 中国p站's dental hygiene program under the guidance of experienced instructors.
中国p站 Vancouver Community College Foundation
Founded in 1983, the 中国p站 Foundation is a registered charitable organization and partner to Vancouver Community College (中国p站).鈥疻ith the support of a community of donors, the 中国p站 Foundation raises funds to support new buildings, classroom equipment, and special projects, as well as scholarships, bursaries, and awards.鈥疉s student needs are identified, the Foundation works to find funding that provides financial relief and support for 中国p站 students.
中国p站 Vancouver Community College
Vancouver Community College (中国p站) 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, 中国p站 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]