Early access to dental care is important for overall health. Dental cleanings can prevent the need for more costly services. WFC’s Healthy Teeth, Healthy Smiles program offers dental assessments, cleanings, x-rays, and education. Referrals to treatment to dental partners are provided, as needed. All services are free or low-cost for those who are uninsured and very low-income
HEALTHY TEETH, HEALTHY SMILES
History of Dental Program
WFC has provided dental services since 2004. During this time, Dr. Kolzet, DDS, a local retired endodontist, oversaw our dental program and created community partnerships to serve the dental treatment needs of our patients. Medical clinic patients who presented with dental needs received a full dental assessment. Dr. Kolzet created a partnership with one of his former dental students at a local dental office that allowed him to use their facilities and equipment, when they were closed, to provide dental treatment including root canals, and fillings. Sadly, Dr. Kolzet passed away in 2013. His passing has left a great hole in our program, but we have continued our efforts through assessments and referrals by local dentists volunteering at Westminster Free Clinic.
In addition to serving our adult patients, through partnerships with other agencies and volunteer dental providers, WFC serves children with cleanings, fluoride varnish or treatment with our special events such as Pediatric Dental Events, Back to School Health Fair Event in August and our Holiday Toy Distribution and Health Fair Event in December. Each year we also partner with The Colgate Foundation Bright Smiles Bright Futures Program, to offer dental education, preventive fluoride varnish and pediatric dental screenings for hundreds of children at WFC’s clinics.
WFC is currently expanding its dental program to the Oxnard Plain and surrounding areas and more volunteer dentists are needed for our program across Ventura County. Please call 805-241-8366 if you are interested in assisting in any way.
Where we are today
WFC’s current dental program serves an average of 400 patients a year.
Dr. Aaron Choroomi, DDS, whose private office is in Agoura Hills, has served as WFC’s volunteer dental director since 2014. Uninsured patients who present with dental needs can receive free cleanings, fillings, and x-rays. Root canals and other dental needs are offered on a sliding fee scale by his dental office. Westminster pays for the dental supplies needed for each patient and the dentist donates the time of he and his team.
What we need
1) Volunteer dentists to provide treatment at their offices and WFC pays for supplies
2) Volunteer dentists and hygienists to volunteer at WFC’s special events
