SmileMobile provides service at large-scale, free clinic at Seattle's Key Arena

100 dental stations have been set up
Photo courtesy Seattle-King County Public Health

Hundreds will gather at KeyArena on each of the four days of free dental, medical, and vision care which began Thursday and will run through the weekend (October 22 - 25.)

The SmileMobile, a modern, mobile dental clinic that cares for underserved children throughout the state, will be at KeyArena in Seattle October 22-25 to provide free dental care at the Seattle/King County Clinic for people of all ages.

Due to the lack of dental access for thousands of Washingtonians, the SmileMobile team and hundreds of other dental volunteers will perform a variety of services, including teeth cleanings, tooth extractions, fillings, crowns and root canals.

Seattle/King County Clinic organizers anticipate more than 100 health care organizations and thousands of licensed health care professionals and support volunteers will treat close to 4,000 people Thursday through Sunday.

“Too many people in our state cannot access dental care, even though many are covered under Apple Health/Medicaid,” said Laura Smith, President and CEO of the Washington Dental Service Foundation, which operates the SmileMobile. “The Seattle/King County Clinic will provide one-time access for thousands, but long-term access solutions are needed.”

This is the second year of the Seattle/King County Clinic, which aims to fill unmet needs and gaps in health care for people who otherwise cannot afford or access care.

Services include dental exams, medical tests and prescription eyeglasses.

Last year, the Seattle/King County Clinic served close to 3,300 residents throughout the state, with more than 1,700 seeking dental care. Of the people who sought dental treatment, 70 percent reported that it had been more than a year since they last saw a dentist.

The SmileMobile is funded and staffed through a partnership of Delta Dental of Washington and the Washington Dental Service Foundation.

Seattle/King County Clinic organizers will distribute admission tickets beginning at 5am each day at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St. Tickets are limited and care is provided first come, first served.