Clinic Launches Free Mobile Dental Care Program
New partnership with La Clínica de la Raza expands access to essential oral healthcare in Oakland
The Order of Malta Clinic of Northern California is proud to announce the launch of a new mobile dental care program for uninsured adults, marking a major milestone in the Clinic's ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare free of charge.
Launching this summer through a partnership with La Clínica de la Raza, the new program will provide dental exams, oral cancer screenings, deep cleanings, fillings, extractions, and oral health education to patients who often have nowhere else to turn for care.
For many of the Clinic's patients, dental care has long been out of reach. While oral health is a critical component of overall health and wellness, the high cost of treatment often forces uninsured individuals to delay or forgo care until pain becomes unbearable or a dental emergency occurs.
"Too often, dental care is viewed as separate from healthcare, when in reality the two are deeply connected," said Dr. Jeff Ritterman, Clinic Medical Director. "Untreated dental disease can contribute to serious health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. This program allows us to care for the whole person and address a critical need within our patient population."
The new program will operate twice each month at the Clinic and is expected to provide more than 120 initial dental exams and up to 112 follow-up treatment appointments during its first year. Patients will receive comprehensive evaluations that include digital X-rays, oral cancer screenings, periodontal assessments, and individualized treatment plans. Follow-up visits will focus on addressing urgent oral health needs through deep cleanings, restorative care, and patient education.
The partnership is designed to meet the needs of patients who often present with years of untreated dental disease due to a lack of insurance and limited access to affordable care. Many are managing chronic health conditions while also living with significant dental pain, infection, or tooth loss. By bringing dental services directly into the Clinic's continuum of care, patients will now have access to coordinated medical and dental support in a trusted environment.
The addition of dental services represents the latest chapter in the Clinic's continued growth and expansion of specialty care. Over the past several years, the Clinic has broadened its services to include more than 14 medical specialties, mobile mammography clinics, podiatry care for unhoused individuals, diabetes education, and mental health support. The dental program further strengthens the Clinic's ability to provide integrated care that addresses both immediate health concerns and long-term wellbeing.
"This program is about more than treating teeth," said Dr Ritterman. "It's about relieving pain, restoring dignity, improving overall health, and helping people live healthier lives."