‘I’m so excited.’ Dentist prepares to open new Inuvik practice

A new dental practice is expected to open in Inuvik this fall, bringing a fully equipped clinic to the community.

The clinic would fill a gap in Inuvik, which currently does not have a dental practice, meaning residents have had to travel outside the community for care. 

Dr Dimitar Bakalov, who has worked at Adam Dental Clinic in Yellowknife for the past four years, is now preparing to open his own practice in Inuvik.  

Construction and renovations are under way, with equipment expected to arrive in September. Bakalov hopes the clinic will open in early October, though he said the timeline could shift depending on construction and equipment deliveries. 

“The sooner the better. I would like to work there. I’m so excited,” Bakalov told Cabin Radio.

“All my equipment will be brand new. I ordered [a] state-of-the-art sterilization centre, state-of-the-art equipment.” 

The clinic is being designed with six operatories, although Bakalov plans to begin working on his own before gradually expanding the practice. 

He hopes to have all six operatories operational by spring, with a team of up to three dentists and two hygienists. 

Bakalov said opening a practice from scratch has been much more complicated than purchasing an existing clinic, as he did previously in Ontario before moving north. The new practice required detailed financial projections, equipment lists, floor plans and estimates for nearly every expense. 

Despite the challenges, Bakalov said the work has been worthwhile and he is looking forward to building a practice around the needs of Inuvik residents. 

The clinic will offer general dentistry, including procedures such as root canals. More complex cases, including difficult surgeries, medically compromised patients and cases requiring sedation, will continue to be referred to specialists in Yellowknife or elsewhere.  

Bakalov hopes to eventually bring additional services to Inuvik, including potentially having a denturist visit the community regularly. 

‘Amazing place’

His decision to open in Inuvik was influenced by both the community and the need for dental services. 

Bakalov said he first became interested in the community through patients and friends from Inuvik, and several visits to the town reinforced his decision.

He said he was struck by the friendliness of the people, noting the residents would shake hands and hug when greeting one another. 

“It’s [an] amazing place with amazing people,” he said.

Bakalov also sees potential for Inuvik to grow, particularly with anticipated investment and development in the region.

For Bakalov, that need is also an opportunity to provide more comprehensive care.

He said his approach will focus on treating a patient’s overall dental health rather than simply addressing one immediate problem.

Bakalov said some of the most rewarding moments in his career have been seeing patients’ reactions after receiving comprehensive treatment.

“I don’t want to say names, but there were people that cried when they saw how nice things end up,” he said. “It’s very rewarding to see someone smiling, happy.”

After years of working in established practices, Bakalov said he is particularly excited to create something new in Inuvik. 

“I feel very happy to be opening a brand new clinic with brand new equipment with enthusiastic, mostly young people,” he said. “This is very, very exciting.”

For now, construction continues and hiring is expected to begin in September, with Bakalov aiming to welcome his first patients in October.