Not-for-profit dental practice opens in Surrey, B.C.

A pair of doctors have opened a dentist office for low-income residents in Surrey, and say it's the only clinic of its kind in the city that's grappling with growing unaffordability.

"Dentistry is quite often inaccessible to most people because of financial constraints and things," said Dr. Harpreet Dhillonof Strive Dental Clinic.

Dhillon and his friend and fellow dentist, Dr. Belrup Singh Patrola opened the clinic Saturday by cutting into a tooth-shaped cake.

'Big need'

The opening drew politicians like Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum and RachnaSingh, MLA forSurrey-Green Timbers. Singh said more affordable dental care is needed in Surrey.

"I think there was a big need for this thing, there are people who do not have the extended health care, who cannot afford dental care," said Singh.

Dhillon says he's practiceddentistryfor more than a decade, and often seespeople, young and old, who suffer from dental disease andcan't afford care.

"So we wanted to give back to the community," he said.

20 per cent discount

Patrola said heonce had to get a tooth pulled because he could not afford the cost of a root canal.

"That made me think ... imagine how many other people are in my shoes?" he said.

Low-income patients will receive a 20per cent discount on dental services.

Any proceeds from the business will be given tocommunity outreach projects and charities like the Surrey Food Bank.