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Nanaimo clinic prioritizes patient comfort and community care

Locally Owned family dental clinic offers a stress-free service
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Dr. Betsabe Behkish and Dr. Ken Phelps.

Since launching in May 2023, Seaside Smile Clinic has become a vital part of Nanaimo’s growing community, offering compassionate and accessible dental care to all.

The family-owned clinic is run by Dr. Betsabe Behkish, who has been serving the mid-Island community for more than eight years, along with her team that boasts in excess of 60 years of combined clinical expertise.

Dr. Behkish says the clinic is built on the principle of putting patients first, not profits. “We’re not a money-driven practice,” she emphasizes. “Yes, we’re a business, but my goal has always been to make a positive difference in people’s lives—treating pain and discomfort, educating patients on preventative oral care, and hopefully restoring their confidence. A smile is often the first thing people notice, an initial form of communication—it’s like an international language. We want to keep Nanaimo smiling!”

Located in Nanaimo’s downtown core, this modern clinic offers a wide range of services, from pediatric to senior dentistry, hygiene services, oral screenings, as well as clinical and cosmetic botox therapies. 

Filling a dental gap in Nanaimo

Nanaimo is one of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia, but that growth has created a gap in dental services. “There’s an ever increasing residential population here in Nanaimo and that growth has caused a lack of access to dentistry services,” Dr. Behkish says. 

“We saw a need and an opportunity to help, especially with the rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) around the same time. We recognized that this would allow us to assist more people, and we’ve been on board with the CDCP from the start. It’s a fantastic plan that more people could truly benefit from.”

The clinic’s full-service model includes everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex procedures like root canals, crowns and more. Dr. Behkish’s colleague, Dr. Phelps has more than 40 years of clinical experience with a strong interest in complex restorative and cosmetic dentistry, as well as fixed and removable prosthetics; he is known for handling complicated cases, often receiving referrals from other dental offices in the region. Dr. Behkish and Dr. Phelps are well supported by a committed team focused on providing the highest standards of care.

“We’re proud to offer care without long waits,” Dr. Behkish adds. “We’re always looking for ways to reduce lead times because no one should have to wait months for an appointment.”

What also sets Seaside Smile Clinic apart is its commitment to making dentistry as stress-free as possible. For many patients, visiting the dentist brings back memories of anxiety and discomfort based on previous experience. 

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Locally owned and operated, Seaside Smile Clinic was founded in 2023 in the heart of Nanaimo. Photos courtesy of Seaside Smile Clinic

“Nerve pain can be incredibly intense, and for many, even the smell of a dental office triggers anxiety,” Dr. Behkish explains. “We work to eliminate that anxiety, especially for younger patients, as it shapes their experience of dentistry for life. Modern dental treatment doesn’t have to be painful—we offer a variety of sedation options to meet each patient’s needs. Combined with clear communication and compassionate care, this greatly reduces the stress and discomfort often associated with dental visits.”

“We want to set a positive precedent for our patients,” Dr. Behkish says. “It’s about making them feel comfortable and ensuring they leave our clinic pain-free.”

Dr. Behkish, who is also a working mother, is deeply involved in the community, frequently dedicating time to charity dentistry. “We’re so blessed to be part of this community, and we want to give back whenever possible,” she says. “It’s not always about the money — it’s about ensuring people have access to the care they need.”

Dr. Behkish’s focus on community also includes mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. She’s been an active volunteer and supporter of dental and hygiene students at Vancouver Island University (VIU), offering her expertise over several years. 

“I see it as my duty to help others, as I have been helped; it is another way of giving back, supporting the profession and sharing good practice to ensure the next generation is well-equipped. VIU is also such an amazing institution, it's an honour to be able to support the work they do.”

“Ultimately, we just want to help people be pain-free and feel better about themselves, one smile at a time. We want to keep Nanaimo smiling!”

For more information, visit seasidesmileclinic.ca and follow them on Facebook and Instagram!