Operating a dental practice in the rural heart of Atlantic Canada carries with it some unique challenges. It requires adaptability, commitment, and a connection to the local community. Dr. Louis Bourget, a seasoned dental practitioner working in Atlantic Canada’s rural communities, has proven that a small-town approach to care can be just as impactful as sophisticated facilities in large urban centers. We sat down with him to learn more about bridging gaps in dental care and why access matters.
Addressing Barriers to Rural Dental Healthcare
Rural communities often lack the immediate access to specialized dental and maxillofacial care that urban residents take for granted. Connected by a web of small roads and at times waterways, for many patients, reaching the nearest oral health specialist could mean hours of tedious travel, turning a standard procedure into an overwhelming experience.
“To address the unique needs of the communities we serve, I make sure I offer clinic hours across the province, not just in Gander alone,” says Dr. Bourget, referring to his clinic in Gander, Newfoundland. “Our practice offers a wide array of services in nearby areas because dental care is essential to overall health. I believe that if we can help to maintain dental health we can decrease the burden on other healthcare providers.” By reducing travel burdens, Dr. Bourget and his team are not only alleviating costs but also supporting better patient outcomes.
Along with facilitating in-person visits whenever possible, Dr. Bourget offers telemedicine services via Zoom calls for patients who are not able to travel. Although, as he points out, some patients travel as much as 13 hours to come for a clinic visit. “I am also on call 24/7 for referring physicians and dentists, if they need to send patients to me. So I am there to support my patients whenever they need me.” This kind of reassurance leads to better overall patient care.
The Impact of Personal Connections in Rural Dental Care
In a rural setting, community matters, and healthcare becomes an integral part of the social fabric. The family practitioner is often tasked with building relationships that go far beyond traditional patient-doctor interactions.
Dr. Bourget sees this as a cornerstone of his practice too: “We don’t just see patients—we get to know entire families, celebrating milestones together and providing care to multiple generations sometimes. This deep knowledge strengthens the trust we’re able to nurture between patient and Doctor and enriches the healthcare experience.”
Dr. Bourget believes that, in rural settings, “small-town values like transparency, integrity, and responsibility are woven into every interaction.” While recent studies suggest that many newer dentists seem to be hesitant to venture out into rural or small-town environments, those who do usually end up treasuring the chance to live and serve people in the small towns and rural places that abound in Canada.
Building a Practice in a Close-Knit Community
While rural healthcare can present challenges, it also offers an unmatched sense of community support and fulfillment. For Dr. Bourget, establishing his practice has been a journey of “paying it forward” to communities that have embraced him and his team. This spirit is reflected in every aspect of his clinics—from welcoming patients with a warm smile to sharing stories over coffee after hours.
“We’re not just providing a service,” Dr. Bourget says. “We’re fostering a space that embodies the heart of Atlantic Canada.”
