Submitted by Fish for Teeth

The Fish for Teeth Board has canceled the Oct. 4-6 free dental clinics in the San Juans. Due to last-minute cancellations, the board is unable to staff the van with dental professionals. The next clinic will be on Jan. 10-12. The board welcomes any questions at fishforteeth@rockisland.com.

Since 2012, Fish for Teeth has been fixing the teeth of those who cannot otherwise afford dental care. Fish for Teeth is self-funded by fish tacos and direct donations so volunteers don’t have income parameters or the red tape. In other words, if your teeth hurt and you can’t afford to fix them, Fish for Teeth is here to help.

From 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5 at the San Juan Island Community Theatre, the organization will still sell its fish tacos for the suggested donation of $8.

Fish for Teeth is a 100 percent volunteer effort. Local dental professionals volunteer their time, along with many other community members to help organize, schedule, and process those who need dental care. All these caring individual collectively make up “Team Tooth,” who take care of Fish for Teeth business.

Fish tacos are the crux of Fish for Teeth funding. “Team Taco” busts out around 350 fish “burritos,” which nets nearly enough to pay for the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van to come to Friday Harbor to fix local’s teeth. Any shortage is miraculously made up by direct donations, both large and small, from generous individuals in our community.

The fish tacos are made with wild Alaskan Rockfish provided by Matt’s Fresh Fish, harvested from healthy stocks of fish just north of Sitka, Alaska. Next comes more wholesome ingredients, like Pablito’s Salsa, Tillamook Cheese, fresh lime, cabbage, and a zing of Newman’s Balsamic dressing, all on a flour or corn tortillas.

The dedicated volunteers of Team Taco do a fabulous job of putting them all together. The Friday Harbor Kiwanis Club has been helping in a big way to make sure there are enough helpers, which makes everything work out even better. That said, the Team Taco diehards are still on staff to anchor the effort. It is a labor of love that is reflected in the delicious fish taco you’ll receive when you support this worthy cause.

Fish for Teeth is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To donate, volunteer or apply for dental services, visit fishforteeth.com.