In an effort to tackle Canada’s ongoing inequality between dental care in rural and urban areas, dentist Dr. Chris Bryant has launched a mobile dental clinic. The clinic is designed to provide oral healthcare to those who live in underserved areas. The aim is for rural communities to receive more care, so that a more equitable approach is taken which benefits the entire Canadian population.
Rural and remote communities in Canada typically face additional challenges in terms of seeking oral health treatment.
However, in a positive update, dentist Dr. Chris Bryant has been raising awareness for the plight of those in rural areas by operating a mobile dental clinic [1].
Hopefully, this attention will result in further awareness and consideration of those in rural areas. It is important for everyone to have access to oral healthcare.
Disparity in care
Unfortunately, a disparity in care between rural communities and those in cities exists. This isn’t a problem that is exclusive to Canada.
Recent research found that despite 17% of Canada’s population living in rural or remote areas, only 10% of the nation’s dentists work there [2].
Moreover, the same research found that only 15% of dental hygienists work in these areas [2]. Therefore, the number of dental professionals in these areas is out of proportion.
As a result, access to dental services can be challenging for those living in underserved communities. Getting a check-up can be difficult, as can be getting any treatment.
Additional research found that those in underserved communities typically have worse oral health than those who live in urban areas [3]. This includes higher rates of tooth decay and cavities.
Mobile dental clinic
Efforts are being made by various people and organizations to end this disparity. One person that has been part of this effort is dentist Dr. Chris Bryant [1].
Bryant has worked for more than 30 years in the rural area of Sooke, British Columbia [1]. However, Bryant has now decided to change his place of work – in an unexpected way!
Bryant’s new ‘office’ is actually a bus [1]. On the outside, the vehicle looks like any normal bus. However, on the inside, it is a mobile dental clinic.
Bryant has converted an old BC Transit bus into a fully-fledged dental clinic. The rough cost of the clinic was around $150,000 [1].
The clinic features all of the usual instruments and furniture that we expect in a regular dental clinic. In fact, two bus seats are even used as a waiting room [1].
In fact, the biggest challenge hasn’t been the limited space, instead it is the lack of high-speed internet in such communities, according to Bryant [1].
Bryant has converted the bus in an effort to bring dental care to rural communities. As discussed earlier, this is care is desperately needed [1].
Bryant has recently commented on his work. In terms of his motivation, he has said that he is “doing this for the community that’s traditionally not had access to healthcare” [1].
Moreover, Bryant has said that over “the last 10 years” there has been a shift towards dental offices operating mainly in urban areas [1].
Therefore, this has resulted in the disparity worsening. As Bryant says, “the reality is small rural communities are going to become deserts for healthcare” – including dentistry [1].
As Bryant points out, it has resulted in some people having to travel great distances to gain access to dental care.
Rural dental work encouraged
Bryant’s work is having a positive impact and is providing dental care for those that typically struggle to get oral healthcare. There is further positive news too.
Reilly Morgan is a third-year dental student at the University of British Columbia [1]. He has mentioned that he and his classmates are “encouraged and incentivized” to work in rural areas [1].
Morgan points out that in these areas, “there’s more opportunity” [1]. Continuing, he says that “the cities are more saturated,” which makes going to rural areas more appealing [1].
However, Morgan has pointed out that this approach works in the short-term, but has long-term limitations. He says that people think “I’ll go for two to three years and do my time,” but that “most people aren’t going to lay down roots and live there” [1].
Therefore, while there are some benefits, longer-term issues appear to be remain. Hopefully, other people will follow Bryant’s lead and provide enhanced care for those in need.
Bryant has said that his mobile clinic approach has attracted interest from some dental students, with some contacting him to learn more about the clinic [1].
Going forward, Bryant is aiming to refine his mobile clinic further, with the aim of providing care for more people in rural and remote communities [1].
While the disparity in dental care between urban and rural communities is likely to remain, hopefully we will see more investment into rural areas soon.
Thinking points…
1) As discussed earlier, getting a check-up can be challenging for some people. However, if you are in the Calgary area, you can always be assured of a warm welcome at Savanna Dental! Here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a range of services, including routine check-ups, emergency dentistry, and cosmetic treatments. We would love for you to find out more about us, you can do so at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
2) Following on from the above, it is very important that you attend a dental clinic regularly. Whether this is a standard clinic, or a mobile clinic, the important thing is that you see a dentist. At a check-up, a dentist can take a look at your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment options if necessary. We recommend that you attend a clinic at least once every six months. Why not book an appointment now?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Lindsay, E. (2025). Island dentist’s mobile clinic aims to fill the cavity in rural health care. Available: https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/island-dentists-mobile-clinic-aims-to-fill-the-cavity-in-rural-health-care-7913375. Last accessed: 9th April 2025.
[2] Gupta, N., & Miah, P. (2024). Imbalances in the oral health workforce: a Canadian population-based study. BMC Health Services Research. 24 (1191). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11677-7.
[3] Gaber, A., Galarneau, C., Feine, J. S., & Emami, E. (2017). Rural-urban disparity in oral health-related quality of life. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 46 (2): p132-142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12344.
