Why Mobile Care Matters
33%
Nearly 1 in 3 Indigenous people in Canada report having unmet healthcare needs because services are too far away or unavailable in their community.
20%
About 20% of Canadians live in rural, remote, northern, coastal, or Indigenous communities — but only 8% of health providers practice there.
40%
40% of Inuit in Canada reported having to leave their community to access healthcare services.
Everyone Deserves Access to Healthcare Close to Home
Access to healthcare should not depend on a person’s postal code. Across Canada, many people living in rural, remote, coastal, northern, and Indigenous communities continue to face significant barriers accessing care close to home. These realities are a large part of why mobile healthcare matters.
The Foundation of Our Care
Access
For many people living in rural, coastal, northern, and remote communities accessing denture care can mean hours of travel, overnight stays, ferry rides, missed work, expensive transportation costs, or simply going without care altogether.
Too often, people are forced to delay care because getting to an appointment is simply too difficult. Coastal Islands Denture Care was created to help reduce those barriers by bringing compassionate, personalized care directly into the communities where people live, work, and feel most comfortable.
Comfort
Many people feel most comfortable receiving care close to home, surrounded by family, culture, language, and community. Leaving community for healthcare can be stressful, isolating, and physically difficult.
Mobile care helps reduce these barriers by bringing support directly into community, allowing patients to remain connected to the people and places that matter most.
Trust
Healthcare feels different when relationships come first. In many small and remote communities, trust is built through conversation, consistency, and taking the time to truly listen. Mobile care creates space for more personal connections, allowing patients to feel comfortable, heard, and supported throughout their care journey.
For many people, especially elders, seeing a familiar face and receiving care within their own community can make healthcare feel far less intimidating and much more accessible.
How a Mobile Visit Works
Appointments take place in a variety of community spaces depending on what is available locally. Most visits are held in local health centres, community centres, seniors centres, or other private spaces that can comfortably accommodate care. For patients who are unable to leave their home due to mobility, health, or transportation challenges, in-home visits may also be available whenever possible.
What Patients Can Expect During Their Visit
Mobile visits are designed to provide the same quality of care you would receive in a traditional clinic setting, while allowing patients to remain within their own community whenever possible.
Patients can expect a relaxed and welcoming environment where there is plenty of time to ask questions, discuss concerns, and feel involved in the care process. Every appointment is approached with patience, compassion, and respect, with care tailored to each individual’s needs and comfort level.
Depending on a patients needs, services include consultations, denture assessments, adjustments, repairs, relines, maintenance care, or new dentures. Follow-up care and ongoing support are also an important part of the process to help ensure comfort and long-term success with your dentures.
Most importantly, patients can expect care that feels personal, supportive, and community-focused. A space where relationships and trust matter just as much as the treatment itself.
For Health Directors & Program Facilitators
Coastal Islands Denture Care works closely with health directors, community coordinators, and program facilitators to help bring accessible denture care directly into a community. The goal is to create a collaborative, organized, and community centered approach that reduces travel barriers and improves access to ongoing oral healthcare services.
Prior to each visit, scheduling and logistics are coordinated directly with the community to help ensure appointments run smoothly and meet needs. Visits can be organized in local health centres, community centres, seniors facilities, or other appropriate community spaces. Support can also be provided for arranging in-home visits for elders or individuals with mobility challenges when needed.
Every community is different, and visits are approached with flexibility, cultural respect, and a strong focus on relationship-building. Coastal Islands Denture Care values working alongside communities to create care experiences that feel accessible, comfortable, and supportive for patients and local healthcare teams alike.
Insurance and Coverage
Coastal Islands Denture Care accepts all major dental insurance plans, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. For First Nations patients in British Columbia who have a valid status number, most denture care services are fully covered through your benefits with Pacific Blue Cross.
To help make the process as simple and stress free as possible, direct billing is available whenever possible, reducing out-of-pocket costs and paperwork for patients. If you have questions about your coverage or benefits, support is always available to help guide you through the process.
For patients without insurance coverage, a variety of payment options are accepted, including credit card, debit, e-transfer, cheque, and cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I organize a visit for my community?
Community visits can be organized by contacting Coastal Islands Denture Care directly to discuss scheduling, patient interest, and available community spaces.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring your current dentures (if you have a set), a list of current medications, any insurance information, and any questions or concerns you may have about your denture care.
Can family members attend appointments?
Of course. Family members, caregivers, or support persons are always welcome to attend appointments if it helps patients feel more comfortable and supported.
What if I’m nervous about getting dentures?
Being nervous is completely normal. Arica's main goal is to create a relaxed, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and moving through the process at their own pace. Arica loves taking the time to talk with patients, answer questions, and make sure they fully understand their options. There is never any pressure to move forward with treatment, and patients are never expected to proceed with any type of care unless they feel 100% comfortable and confident doing so.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. Patients can contact Coastal Islands Denture Care directly to ask questions, organize an appointment, or inquire about upcoming community visits.
What if I live in a community you don’t currently visit?
New community partnerships and visit requests are always welcome. Coastal Islands Denture Care is continually working to expand services into more rural, coastal, northern, and Indigenous communities.
Can I ask questions before booking an appointment?
Of course. Patients are always encouraged to reach out with questions, concerns, or simply to learn more about the denture process before deciding if care is right for them. Virtual consultations can also be arranged for those who would prefer to meet and speak with Arica online before booking an appointment. Arica understands how important it is for patients to feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their care every step of the way.
What if I’ve had a bad experience with dentures in the past?
Many patients come into appointments feeling frustrated, nervous, or discouraged after previous experiences with dentures. Coastal Islands Denture Care believes every patient deserves to feel heard, supported, and involved in their care process. Appointments are approached with patience, open communication, and no pressure — taking the time to understand each patient’s concerns, goals, and comfort level before moving forward with treatment.
Connect With Us
Telephone: 778-746-0900 (call or text)
E-mail: admin@aricawindsordenturist.ca
based in Nanaimo, BC
*Please note that we are often travelling in communities with limited or no cell service. Because of this, response times are usually 2–3 business days. Email is the preferred method of contact, as we are often able to access Wi-Fi and respond to emails faster while travelling.