Submitted by Fish For Teeth.

It’s that tooth-fixing time of year, and Fish for Teeth is helping to bring the Medical Teams International (MTI) Mobile Dental Van to Friday Harbor on Oct. 6-9. For 10 years, Fish for Teeth has sponsored the van, helping those who cannot otherwise afford dental care get their teeth fixed and enjoy the benefits of a healthy mouth.

There are no income restrictions limiting those who can apply. If someone is in need of dental care and cannot afford the price tag, they can be seen in the dental van if they are uninsured and unable to access dental care or be on Medicaid (Apple Health). Apply online by scanning the QR code, or pick up an application at the Friday Harbor Family Resource Center or the Health Department (behind the Post Office), or call 360-378-4474 for more information.

The dental van is also visiting Orcas and Lopez Islands over the next few weeks. Through a grant from the North Sound Accountable Communities of Health (ACH) Oral Health Local Impact Network (LIN), funded by Arcora, dental clinics will be held on Lopez, Sept. 20-21, and Orcas, Sept. 22-25.

Fish for Teeth has hosted the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van on San Juan Island since 2012. We’re set to serve over 120 patients per year, from dental emergencies to routine teeth cleaning (proper maintenance avoids bigger problems later, so we are happy to provide cleanings and check-ups).

This grant does not cover the entire cost of all these dental clinics, so Fish for Teeth will still be crankin’ out Fish Tacos to pay the bills. This time the Taco Team will be set up on Oct. 1 on the lawn in front of the Technology Center.

Fish for Teeth receives no public funding, and Fish Tacos are our only fundraiser; the rest of the funding is made up of individual contributions from caring people from our community. If you value the efforts of Fish for Teeth and would like to lend financial support, please donate (or volunteer) at fishforteeth.com, or mail a check to PO Box 2084 Friday Harbor 98250. You can also volunteer your time in the taco-making or the dental clinic departments.