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50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Dentists in Nanaimo, BC
At Departure Bay Dental Clinic, we have dedicated ourselves to providing exceptional dental care since 1968. Our practice is built on a foundation of patient education, personalized treatment plans, and a commitment to maintaining optimal oral health. We prioritize open communication, ensuring patients understand their options and feel empowered in their dental decisions. With nearly five decades of service to the Nanaimo community, we maintain a patient-centred approach, focusing on prevention and long-term care.

Our team of experienced professionals, including Drs. Chase and Butchart, combines advanced techniques with a gentle, honest approach to create a comfortable environment. We take pride in our community involvement, supporting local sports and offering flexible payment options. Our clinic's serene ocean views and attentive staff contribute to a calming experience, making dental visits rewarding for patients of all ages.
Services
Family Dentistry Fillings Dental Hygiene Tooth Whitening Cosmetic Dentistry Oral Sedation Emergency Dentistry Implant Restorations Root Canal Therapy Dentures
Details
  • Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
  • We have served Nanaimo with personalized dental care since 1968.
  • Our dentists prioritize patient education and informed decision-making.
  • We offer emergency dental services with same-day availability.
  • Our team provides oral sedation options for anxious patients.
  • We support local sports and community wellness initiatives.
Services
Family Dentistry
We provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, from children's first visits to seniors' ongoing oral health. Our preventive approach includes regular checkups, early intervention, and personalized hygiene guidance. With experience treating generations of local families, we create comfortable, trusting relationships that support lifelong dental wellness through every life stage.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Our cosmetic services combine artistry with dental science to improve smiles' appearance and function. Options include teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers tailored to individual facial aesthetics. We use advanced materials and techniques to create natural-looking results that boost confidence while maintaining oral health. Consultations focus on realistic expectations and long-term satisfaction.
Emergency Dentistry
We prioritize same-day treatment for dental emergencies like trauma, infections, or severe pain. Our team provides immediate assessment, pain management, and necessary interventions to resolve acute issues. Patients receive clear aftercare instructions and follow-up planning. Emergency services ensure prompt relief while preserving long-term oral health through timely intervention.
Oral Sedation
We offer oral sedation and nitrous oxide to help anxious patients relax during procedures. Our dentists carefully evaluate medical histories to determine appropriate sedation levels. This service enables fearful individuals to receive necessary care comfortably while maintaining safety through monitored administration. Post-appointment guidelines ensure patient well-being after sedation appointments.
Dental Hygiene
Our hygiene services focus on preventing gum disease and tooth decay through professional cleanings and patient education. Registered hygienists perform thorough plaque removal, oral cancer screenings, and personalized brushing/flossing instruction. Regular maintenance intervals are customized based on individual risk factors. We emphasize the connection between oral health and overall wellness during every hygiene visit.
People
Dr. Derek Chase
Dentist
Dr. Chase, a Nanaimo native, graduated from UBC with a D.M.D. in 2003. He values patient communication and gentle care, prioritizing long-term oral health education. He actively participates in dental study clubs and professional associations while balancing family life with his wife Dr. Butchart and two children.
Dr. Rebecca Butchart
Dentist
Dr. Butchart earned her D.M.D. from UBC in 2003 and brings extensive experience from Parksville and Nanaimo practices. She focuses on continuing education and clinical instruction while maintaining a patient-centered approach. She and Dr. Chase co-own the clinic, sharing commitment to community wellness and family-oriented care.
Laura
Registered Dental Hygienist
Laura has served as the clinic's hygienist since 1994, emphasizing gentle care and preventive education. She graduated from SIAST's dental hygiene program and maintains a friendly approach to lifelong oral health. She enjoys camping and family time with her twin sister and chocolate lab.
Hien
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hien joined the team in 2009 after graduating from Vancouver Island University. She specializes in gum disease prevention and patient education, using gentle techniques for comfortable cleanings. Outside work, she enjoys family time, movies, and travel with her daughter Ivy.
Questions
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients. Please call or email to schedule your first appointment.
Do you accept dental insurance plans?
We accept most insurance plans including P.B.C., Sunlife, Great West Life, Manulife, Green Shield, W.C.B., and I.C.B.C.
Do you offer sedation options?
Yes, we provide oral sedation and nitrous oxide for anxious patients. Deeper sedation requires specialist referral.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, cheque, debit, Visa, and Mastercard for dental services.
Do you treat children and seniors?
We care for patients from age one to 100+, tailoring treatments to each life stage's unique needs.
Are you accessible by public transportation?
Yes, bus stops are available near Cilaire School and behind Brooks Landing Mall.