Historic Nelson church becomes a hub for advanced dental care
Published 6:00 pm Sunday, February 8, 2026
Clinic offers advanced TMJ treatment, aesthetic dentistry and care under one roof
In the heart of Nelson, a 1933-built church with soaring ceilings has found new life as Heritage Dental, where history meets cutting-edge dental care.
Dr. Paul Comartin took the helm five years ago, drawn not only to the building’s charm but also to the town’s scenic beauty, vibrant culture and outdoor lifestyle.
“Nelson has everything a small-town boy could want – mountains, rivers, outdoor sports and a tight-knit community. It felt like the perfect place to create a practice that prioritizes both people and innovation,” says Dr. Comartin.
Heritage Dental brings new life to a 1933 Nelson church, preserving historic charm while housing modern, comprehensive dental care inside.
From its early days, Heritage Dental has offered more than standard dentistry. A standout service is TMJ treatment, which addresses chronic jaw pain, muscle dysfunction and airway issues.
TMJ disorders can cause headaches, teeth grinding and worn or damaged teeth, yet many clinics avoid treating them because they require specialized knowledge and careful management, Dr. Comartin says.
“This is an underserved area. People often had to travel to Kelowna for relief. I wanted to offer them this transformative care locally, providing options for patients without having to leave their community.”
Treatments often combine custom appliances and prosthetics with Botox injections, which help relax jaw muscles and alleviate pain – offering a non-invasive path to improved comfort and function.
Alongside functional care, Heritage Dental places a strong emphasis on aesthetic dentistry, including Invisalign and cosmetic enhancements designed to restore confidence in a smile.
In addition, the clinic now offers biopsy services for early cancer detection, allowing Dr. Comartin to identify and manage oral lesions at their earliest stages. This provides patients with peace of mind, ensuring that any unusual findings are promptly assessed and confirmed as benign – or addressed early if further care is needed.
“Whenever there’s a lesion, we excise it and send it to a pathology lab in Vancouver. Early detection is crucial and can make a real difference in outcomes,” he notes.
The team’s approach reflects the clinic’s commitment to whole-person care, with patients treated as individuals. Comfort and trust are central – especially for those with dental anxiety or previous trauma.
“We start simple, build rapport and, if needed, use laughing gas or oral sedation. The goal is always for patients to feel heard, in control, and supported,” Dr. Comartin says.
For Dr. Comartin, dentistry is deeply rewarding because it transforms lives – relieving pain, restoring confidence and improving everyday function.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 250-352-2616, visit heritagedentalnelson.com or stop by at 802 Baker St.
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