Dental Clinic
OICF launched the Community Dental program in 2012 after learning that access to dental care was the number one issue for county residents who were living at or below the Federal poverty level. Over the last decade, it’s evolved and grown – from a van to a permanent space on the island – thanks to many in the community pitching in.
The Dental Clinic Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap in dental care access by delivering innovative and inclusive oral health solutions to individuals who face barriers to quality dental services. We are dedicated to reaching underserved populations and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the dental care they deserve.
OICF launched the Community Dental program in 2012 after learning that access to dental care was the number one issue for county residents who were living at or below the Federal poverty level. OICF partnered with Medical Teams International to bring a mobile clinic to the island four times a year. Initially staffed by our local dental professionals, we eventually worked with volunteer dentists and hygienists, providing care to about 130 neighbors a year. While this was an admirable effort, it was not meeting the deep need and the waiting list grew to over 100.
In 2023, OICF worked with San Juan County Health, the Orcas Island Health Care District, the Orcas Community Resource Center, and Marsha Waunch, volunteer extraordinaire. Together, we developed a new plan involving Dr. Jessica Dubek, a remarkable dentist with a vision to make dental care available to all. She and her DentALL team have contracted to provide 48 days of dental services to the Orcas community in 2024 and 2025.
After holding clinic days initially at the Fire Station, the clinic moved into a dedicated permanent space and hired a local dental assistant in October 2024. The dental clinic now serves children and adults on Apple Health (Medicaid) and those who are uninsured and unable to afford dental care. Services have expanded to include preventative care as well as emergent care. The clinic also serves patients in both English and Spanish. Thanks to generous community donors, OICF is committed to providing funding so all who need the services have access to them.
Thank you to the Community Church, who hosted the MTI vans for a decade and to the Mercy Flights team for transporting Dr. Dubek and her crew. Pitching in is an island tradition!
Dental Clinic Appointments
Community Dental Clinics serve people on Medicaid or who do not have dental insurance and cannot afford dental care. Services include oral health exams, X-rays, fillings, and tooth extractions. To access dental clinic services, learn more on the San Juan County Health Department website, or contact the Orcas Community Resource Center at 360-376-3184.
History of the Dental Program
By 2023 the MTI dental van served more than 700 patients who would have otherwise gone without dental care. This was possible thanks to the remarkable contributions of so many:
- Island dentists and assistants who contribute their skills
- Volunteers who schedule, greet and monitor the patients
- Generous community members who provide lunches & housing
- Medical Teams International and their amazing van
- Community Church for the gracious use of their facility
- Donors who supply the funding to make it all possible