The SmileMobile, a brightly painted 39–foot dental clinic on wheels, will return to Friday Harbor at the Mullis Senior Community Center the week of Tuesday, Nov. 2 to Friday, Nov. 5.

The SmileMobile dentist and the dental team will provide examinations to children, youth, young adults, pregnant/postpartum people, and adult family members with Apple Health coverage (Washington state’s Medicaid program) and who are uninsured.

The SmileMobile is a mobile dental van outfitted with equipment found in typical dental offices that travels throughout Washington state, providing much-needed preventive oral health care and early dental treatment. Access to preventive dental care is especially important in communities that lack water fluoridation since having the right balance of fluoride in drinking water helps improve oral health for all with strengthened teeth that are more resistant to cavities and decay.

Poor oral health has been linked to chronic conditions like diabetes, pregnancy and heart health. Painful cavities and visible oral disease also can impact school attendance, nutrition, employment opportunities, self-esteem and how others perceive you.

Cavities are preventable with routine dental checkups, proper oral hygiene and drinking fluoridated water. All three play a significant role in helping adults and children avoid tooth decay.

Due to COVID-19, the dental team will prescreen and take temperature the day of the examination. The dentist and team may provide one or more of the following: examination, fluoride varnish, sealants, x-rays, simple extraction, temporary filling, and written referral. To make an appointment or if you have questions, call 1-888-286-9105 prior to the clinic dates.