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 partner with The Colgate Foundation Bright Smiles Bright Futures Program, to offer dental education and pediatric dental screenings for hundreds of children at WFC’s clinics. Over 200 children are served annually at these events.
More volunteer dentists are needed for our program across Ventura County.
Where we are today
Westminster Free Clinic (WFC) and Smiles Avenue have a partnership that offers basic free and discounted dental services to very low-income uninsured patients. To get started, patients must be screened at one of Westminster Free Clinic’s 3 locations and if you qualify, you will set up an appointment through WFC’s case manager. Services are first come, first served at Westminster Free Clinic. We are open in the evenings starting at 4:30pm, Tuesdays in Oxnard, Wednesdays in Thousand Oaks and Thursdays in Santa Paula.
Dr. Sukhanchal Saini, DDS, has been practicing dentistry since 2002 after earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry. Through Smiles Avenue’s partnership with Westminster Free Clinic, Dr. Saini continues to give back by helping expand access to essential dental care for patients in the local community. Her commitment to treating each patient with compassion, respect, and individualized attention makes her a natural fit for WFC and its mission of providing high-quality dental care to underserved members of our community.
547 unduplicated children and adults were served in 2025.
What we need
1) Volunteer dentists to provide treatment at their offices. WFC pays for supplies
2) Volunteer dentists and hygienists to volunteer at WFC’s pediatric dental events
Please call 805-241-8366 if you are interested in assisting in any way.
