Located in the annex of Sidney Elementary School on Henry Avenue, ORCCA opened its doors in March 2015. It offers various services including dental cleanings, fillings, root canals, and other dental work. As well as Dr. Mitra Hashemi, other dedicated dentists volunteer their time and expertise including Drs. Vohn Rosang, Jeremy King, Anna Wang, Ron Walsh and Peter Culligan. Patients access the clinic through their Care Card, Status Card or if the annual family income is less than $40,000 with no dental insurance coverage. It just takes a phone call and an appointment is made. Dental care not only brings healing but self confidence. It’s life changing. “It was looking like one young 11-year-old might have to have her front teeth removed because of infection. Can you imagine? 11 years old and having to deal with that?” says Mitra. “We found a sponsor and managed to resolve infection through a root canal procedure. It was a huge win all around.”
SIDNEY CENTRE FAMILY DENTISTRY Dr. Loren J. Braun
• New Patients Welcome! • Emergency Treatment • Insurance Plans Accepted • IV Sedation Available
The organization is 100% non profit with all funds going towards the needs of those for whom they care. Funding is critical. “Our first sponsor was the Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club who donated funds. It was a dream for us,” says Mitra.
monies but also specialized equipment like a Statim Sterilization Center donated by Sidney by the Sea Rotary. “It’s the most rewarding part of it all; it’s so heartwarming that people give,” says Mitra. “I am an immigrant myself who has been embraced by Canada. We can all make a difference.” The clinic has helped over 200 children with dental care so far, but it’s clear from the passion in Mitra’s voice that there is still more work to be done. “We’re looking for more volunteer dentists, for more sponsors, for more help to make changes for these kids,” states Mitra. It all began with a private response, but as awareness grows, hopefully young people will no longer have to struggle to get the basics of Since 2011, sponsorship has grown to health care because the community around include numerous groups such as Co-Op, them answers the call. Like our great finned Telus, Norgaard Foundation, Victoria friends that swim our waters and stand by Foundation, Rotary Club, and Saanich Fruit each other, we too need to reach out and take Growers Association. There has been an outpouring of community support not only of care of our own.
"ORCCA’s mission is to provide oral care for children and adolescents who are under 19 and are from low-income families."
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250.655.7188
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www.sidneycentredental.com
7865 Patterson Road, Saanichton 5401 Hamsterley Road, Victoria
#215-9764 Fifth St
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