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123Dentist, Canada’s largest majority dentist-owned network of dental practices, is giving $30,000 to support Okanagan College’s state-of-the-art dental space located in the new $18.9-million Health Sciences Centre.

The new clinic is a major upgrade for Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) students, who can now learn in private operatories comparable to today’s dental practices along with smart cameras and monitors for teaching and instruction.

Ali Bozorgzad, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of 123Dentist, says his organization was inspired to support the College and students because of the important role CDA’s play in our 123Dentist clinics and in the patient care we deliver. “We are tremendously proud to partner with and support the growth of Okanagan College and its students to accelerate their learning, skills and confidence throughout their academic journey,” says Bozorgzad. He went on to say “Giving back to communities where we live and work, supporting the advancement of our dental industry and future leaders is an important part of the culture at 123Dentist.”   

123Dentist's gift will support a demonstration dental operatory, equipped with a hands-free video camera that will allow any procedure to be streamed to students who can see the smallest of details projected on monitors and follow along in their own operatories.

Joanne Gibbons-Smyth, Chair of Okanagan College’s CDA program, says the new dental clinic strikes the perfect balance between teaching and real-world practice and will create optimal learning experiences for students. 

“We are thrilled that OC students will be able to achieve their dreams in a state-of-the-art training facility,” says Gibbons-Smyth. 

“We are so appreciative of this support from 123Dentist and their dentist partners. For students to know that the industry is supporting their education just instils confidence that they’ve made the right career choice.”

Courtney Chora is a student in the Okanagan College’s CDA program, and her class is among the first to use the new space. She describes the new technology as helpful, along with the ability to practice in a setting that feels like a real dental clinic.

“It's a beautiful clinic and I'm so glad to be here and enjoy this new facility,” says Chora.

Okanagan College is now $1.5 million away from its $5-million fundraising goal to complete the new Health Sciences Centre. The Centre will educate eight in-demand health care professions from nurses to Therapist Assistants to Pharmacy Technicians.

CDAs are in high-demand in the Okanagan and across British Columbia. The Okanagan College Foundation is inviting the public to give and ensure students have access to the very best facilities and equipment when they return to face-to-face learning in the fall.

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