Smiles will be brighter in Highlands East as a new dentist moves into town.

At their Aug. 14 meeting, council accepted a proposal from Dr. Kody Dadelahi, a dentist who is interested in renting space out of the Wilberforce Medical Centre.

Dadelahi had submitted a letter to chief administrative officer Sharon Stoughton-Craig, stating his hope to sublet a room in the centre for a period of one year, with the option to renew his lease for five years.

The dentist offered to pay a monthly rent of $350 for the first six months and $400 for the latter six months of the first year.

The need for a dentist in Highlands East was made known to Dadelahi through discussions with Kaz Eshkour, a local pharmacist, according to his letter.

There are currently no other dentists listed in the municipality, according to the phone book.

Dadelahi also plans to have dental hygienist Lisa Stoughton on staff, starting immediately.

According to his proposal, Dadelahi will commit to working two days a month at the centre, subject to change based on demand, while Stoughton will work three days a week.

“I think both myself and Lisa would be a great asset to the community and medical centre,” Dadelahi wrote in the letter.

Council passed a resolution accepting the proposal from Dadelahi.

Councillor Joan Barton suggested another resolution be passed, stating the rental money received from Dadelahi be earmarked by council for future improvements to the medical centre.

“I would like to see the income generated from the rental agreement be reinvested into the centre,” she said.

Council agreed, passing a resolution to use the rent money received from occupants of the medical centre to improve the centre and/or recruit a physician to Highlands East.

The money will be allocated under the newly created Medical Centre Fund, as was decided by council.

The proposal was received by Stoughton-Craig on July 26, making it a last minute addition to the council agenda.

The lease agreement between council and Dadelahi takes effect Sept. 1, 2012. Council agreed to let Dadelahi set up his practice starting Aug. 15.