Free Dental Clinic on April 28

Volunteer dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and other dental professionals from the community will provide patients of all ages with free services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions and oral health education.

Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is strongly encouraged. Doors will open for registration at 7:30 a.m.

Volunteer dentists cannot treat patients with certain specific medically compromising conditions such as extremely high blood pressure. All potential patients will receive an initial medical screening before any treatment.

The main goal of the event is to relieve pain and infection. Extractions, fillings, and cleanings will be provided. Cosmetic dentistry, braces, crowns, dentures or root canal treatments will not be available. Each patient will receive only one service (cleaning, filling or extraction), so that pain can be relieved for the greatest number of patients.

Patients should plan to register for services, and complete and sign a health release form. Patients will receive an initial screening, or medical triage, and then a volunteer dentist will check the patient’s mouth to determine what procedure is most needed (dental triage), or would most benefit the patient. Throughout the event, patients will receive dental education and advice on how to take care of their mouth, teeth and gums as well as overall health.

Attendees should bring a list of all of the medications, including the dosage, they are currently taking. They will need to list all medications on the health history form. Patients on Coumadin/anticoagulants must show their current INR card during the medical screening process. If the card is more than three days old, an INR test will be given.

Street parking on many side streets. Parking is also available at the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Eastside Medical Clinic and Santa Barbara High School.

This clinic is free and offered to the whole community because the Santa Barbara Ventura Counties Dental Care Foundation and SBNC realize that dental services are not financially feasible for many in our community in this economy. Many volunteers are donating their time and expertise to provide dental services. Direct Relief International has donated 100 Oral Care kits to be distributed to patients at this event.

In addition, volunteers are needed for this event. For more information, visit www.sbclinics.com.

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics provides comprehensive healthcare to all members of the community –insured, underinsured, on Medi-Cal, Medicare, and those who are uninsured, regardless of their ability to pay. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics strives to achieve excellence and to maximize the potential of each employee, volunteer, and board member through a respectful and supportive organization. For more information, visit www.sbclinics.com.