It was 1994 when Dr. Ed Yen left Winnipeg and arrived on campus as the Dean of the UBC Faculty of Dentistry. He had been recruited to upscale research activity and introduce graduate specialty programs to the Faculty, but he quickly realized there was a problem: at nearly 30 years old, the dental clinic was too small and outdated to handle any expansion. He explored the possibility of renovations, but ultimately decided it was time for a new building. A committee was formed to create what would become the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre (NBOHC), a project that spanned more than a decade and changed the face of UBC Dentistry forever.

Dr. Ed Yen, former Dean

“At the time, we were still dipping X-rays into chemicals, and dental drills sounded like an airplane was inside your mouth,” says Dr. Yen. “But it was clear that dentistry was becoming more digital, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to create a clinic that was bigger and scalable, one that could keep up with evolving technology.”

Establishing a new clinic came with a significant price tag and would not have been possible without the generosity of alumni, corporate partners and friends of the Faculty. Support ranged from in-kind contributions to funding key components of the clinic, with graduating classes and individuals joining forces to “adopt” operatories. The commitment was substantial, and ongoing support remains critical to keeping the clinic thriving into the future.

Another important aspect of the new clinic was the chairs. Digital options were limited, but UBC forged a partnership with global healthcare technology leader Planmeca—a close collaboration that still exists today—to create one of the most advanced digital dental chairs on the market. The chairs were upgraded in 2022 under the leadership of former Dean Dr. Mary MacDougall, ensuring their use for years to come. 

Dr. Yen’s forward-looking vision touched every aspect of the clinic, from upgrading radiographs to digital X-rays, to transferring patient files from paper to electronic records, to setting the stage for future digital laboratories. The clinic was also designed to reflect the west coast, with warm and colourful elements, so patients felt comfortable and welcome in the new space.

Grand Opening

In 2006, the final year of Dr. Yen’s deanship, the new 144-operatory clinic opened its doors. Over the next several years under the leadership of former Dean Dr. Chuck Shuler, UBC Dentistry launched four new graduate programs—endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry and prosthodontics—alongside its established periodontics program. The Faculty also introduced the Dental Hygiene Entry-to-Practice option as part of the Dental Hygiene Degree program.

Today, the clinic welcomes more than 40,000 patient visits annually, providing dental care to the community at reduced fees. In 2025, the Canadian Dental Care Plan was integrated into the clinic, helping to cover the cost of oral health care services for eligible Canadian residents. The space is also home to innovative clinical research and hosts students from every undergraduate and graduate program, as well as continuing dental education programs and international students from around the world.

“The NBOHC is the engine behind all the clinical activity happening within the Faculty and has allowed us to expand our programming over the last 20 years,” says Dean pro tem Dr. Andrea Esteves, who was part of the clinic committee from the beginning. “One of the most amazing aspects of the clinic is that it’s become many people’s dental home. Helping people in the community receive dental care that they might not otherwise be able to access is the hallmark of what we do.”

Care in Action

One of these patients is Janice Irwin. After moving to Vancouver, she began having toothaches but was worried about the cost of dental care.

“I’d had dental work done in the past that was extremely expensive, and I had just bought a condo and was doing renovations, so I was really worried,” she says. “My uncle was a dentist and a university professor, and he always said that if I ever lived in a city with a dental school to go there, because I would be well taken care of.”

Patient Janice Irwin (L) and Negar Sasani (R), with the custom toothbrush extension.

Janice took her uncle’s advice and became a patient at UBC Dentistry. For 15 years she has received dental care at the NBOHC, from routine cleanings to dentures. At one point, she had difficulty brushing her teeth due to arthritis. When she showed up to her next appointment, the student assigned to her, Negar Sasani, BDSc 2025, had designed and created a custom extension for her toothbrush. With the help of Negar’s thoughtful invention, Janice no longer had to lift her arm to brush her teeth, limiting the pressure on her hands and fingers and making it easier to brush.

“I had such a great patient experience with Negar, she is such a sweetheart,” says Janice. “My arthritis has improved, but I still use the toothbrush she created for me. I have so much fun when I visit UBC Dentistry, it’s a real pleasure!”

As the clinic marks its 20th anniversary, its success is measured not only by square footage, technology or patient volume, but by the people who bring the space to life.

“The foresight that went into building this clinic has positioned us well for the next decade and beyond,” says Dr. Esteves. “But a clinic is only as strong as the people within it—our staff, faculty and students—who together create an environment of learning and care. That’s what makes this place truly special.”

Name an operatory and be part of the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre’s story! You can name it after yourself, your family, mentor or colleague! When you name an operatory, you are directly supporting patient care and dental education while also honouring someone special in perpetuity. Please reach out to Jane Merling for more information merling@dentistry.ubc.ca