Qualicum Dental student brings reduced-fee care home

For many people, visiting the dentist can be difficult when they don’t have insurance or a dental plan to help cover the cost. As a result, routine care is often delayed, allowing dental problems to worsen. Qualicum Dental, which has served the Oceanside region for more than 50 years, is offering a temporary solution for residents who cannot afford dental care. For three weeks in July, the clinic will have dental student Brendil Sabatino, an Oceanside native entering his fourth year in the Doctor of

Dental Medicine program at the University of British Columbia. As part of the requirements for his degree and eventual licensing, Sabatino must complete extensive clinical training in a dental office. He chose to complete part of that training at Qualicum Dental. During his placement, Sabatino will provide dental services at reduced rates for people in the community who do not have dental coverage or are unable to afford regular dental care. For Sabatino, the opportunity is both a homecoming and the realization of a longtime

goal. He moved to Oceanside when he was eight years old and grew up in Whiskey Creek. He attended the former French Creek Elementary School and Qualicum Beach Middle School before graduating from Ballenas Secondary School, where he wore No. 72 on the Whalers football team. He also played with the Oceanside Titans. Sabatino said the community played a significant role in helping his family while he was growing up, and he is grateful for the opportunity to give back. “I am beyond excited to

be doing this for my community,” said Sabatino. “Growing up here my mother was supporting my brother and I on her own. We received a lot of direct financial support as well as kindness from the people, schools and churches here. The Oceanside community feels like a part of who I am.” He added, “It’s my goal in my career to be able to help those for whom dentistry is too expensive. The fact that Qualicum Dental is allowing me to do this feels a

bit like I’m getting to live my dream.” Sabatino said patients can expect comprehensive care similar to what they would receive during a regular dental visit. “I will be offering examinations, X-rays, fillings, crowns, veneers, root canals and extractions,” said Sabatino. “This should cover most of the routine services to manage dental disease. I am working under the mentorship and supervision of Dr. Jag Shoker, and all work and examination findings will be checked by him. The tradeoff is that appointment times will be longer.”

Sabatino said Dr. Jag Shoker has made it possible for him to offer all treatment at 50 per cent off the regular fee schedule. In addition, the initial examination and X-rays will be provided free of charge. He added the clinic is also willing to work with patients who may still struggle to afford essential treatment. The three-week placement has only strengthened Sabatino’s desire to return to Oceanside after graduation. “After graduation I am planning to move back to the community and work at one

of the existing offices but may hold off on starting my own clinic for a few years,” said Sabatino. “It can be an expensive and difficult undertaking to run your own clinic so I am hoping to gain more experience and capital to allow me to do so eventually. My longshot dream is to be able to offer a more sustainable reduced-cost option for patients in my own clinic.” Residents interested in booking an appointment with Sabatino can contact Qualicum Dental. He will be seeing

patients from July 6 to July 31.

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