(Image Credit: College of New Caledonia)
Dental care

CNC expands access to dental care

May 25, 2026 | 10:46 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Federal funding has allowed the College of New Caledonia to expand access to dental care in long-term care.

The College received the $178,146 in funding through the Oral Health Access Fund, a federal initiative led by Health Canada.

The funding supports mobile dentistry equipment, enabling care to be delivered directly in community settings such as long-term care homes.

The portable units are compact and transportable, with foldable chairs and equipment that can be packed into a vehicle, making it possible to bring comprehensive dental care directly to community sites.

“This project reflects CNC’s commitment to both student learning and community care,” said Diane Horita, Dental Hygiene Faculty and Program Coordinator at the College of New Caledonia. “By bringing dental services directly into long-term care settings, we’re creating meaningful hands-on learning opportunities for our students while helping improve access Page 2 of 3 to care for seniors and underserved populations across Northern B.C. This funding allows us to meet people where they are and strengthen the connection between education and community wellness.”

CNC dental hygiene students provided care to 23 residents at Simon Fraser Lodge between February and April 2026.

The College notes that the initiative enhances hands-on learning opportunities while improving access to oral health care for underserved populations.