A new dental clinic has opened on Alberni Street, aiming to alleviate challenges in accessing oral health care.
Operating under the Smili Dental brand, the clinic began seeing patients on December 16 and has since experienced strong demand, with a wait list of more than 2,000 individuals seeking appointments.
“This community has been underserved in terms of dental care for quite some time,” says Raghev Menon, a representative of the Powell River location. “We’re seeing entire families—parents, their children and sometimes grandparents—who haven’t been on a regular dental regimen simply because they couldn’t get an appointment. Now we have the space and team to help meet that demand.”
The clinic, which currently operates with two primary dentists, is one of the largest in Powell River, featuring multiple treatment rooms and advanced dental technology. Plans are underway to bring on more hygienists and assistants to accommodate the high volume of patients.
Among the dental professionals on staff are Dr. Caitlin Meredith and Dr. Erik Schien, both of whom are excited to provide care to a broad demographic, from children and families to seniors.
“I want every patient to feel empowered and safe,” says Dr. Meredith, who grew up in Kamloops and attended University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Faculty of Dentistry. “The idea is to help people maintain their oral health with the latest equipment in a comfortable, welcoming environment.”
After initially practicing in Haida Gwaii, Dr. Meredith moved to the qathet region four years ago. She says the new clinic’s design, featuring digital X-ray units in each room and TV monitors on the ceiling, offers a more pleasant experience, particularly for anxious patients or children.
Dr. Schien, a UBC Dentistry graduate originally from Prince George, noted that Powell River’s large senior population can sometimes face challenges in finding accessible and affordable dental services.
“Seniors can have higher rates of decay due to various health issues and medications,” he explains. “We’re also accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which can provide critical financial support for those who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment.”
The clinic’s 11-chair setup is designed to streamline patient flow, making it easier to accommodate routine cleanings and more complex procedures. A highlight is the digital intraoral scanner, which allows patients to see a 3D image of their teeth in real-time.
“It helps patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options,” says Dr. Schien. “If you can visualize the problem on the screen, you’re far more comfortable making decisions about your dental health.”
Collaboration, trust and future expansion of Smili Dental, which has multiple locations throughout BC, emphasizes three core values: putting patient interests first, fostering trust and promoting collaboration. According to Menon, these principles guide everything from clinical training to the way the team interacts with patients.
“Collaboration is key,” explains Dr. Meredith. “Each of us on staff brings unique strengths. If one dentist has a special focus on oral surgery or dental implants, we work together to ensure every patient gets the best possible care, right here in our community.”
Although still in the early stages of operation, the clinic is working to expand its team. With an emphasis on patient education, the team hopes to address not just urgent needs but also the preventive side of dentistry—enabling regular checkups and cleanings to help people avoid more serious issues down the line.
“It’s about building trust and making sure patients know they have a place to go,” says Dr. Schien. “No one should have to travel hours away or wait indefinitely to get basic oral health care.”
The new clinic at 7100 Alberni Street is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm. To request an appointment, call 604.485.2851 or go to smilidental.com/locations/sunshine-coast/powell-river.
