Bridge to Home’s Healthy Lives Program offered a free Dental Clinic on Saturday, Oct. 13, as part of the services it provides to the homeless, working poor/low income, and Veterans of the Santa Clarita Valley. The next clinic will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10.

Bridge to Home’s Healthy Lives program aims to help community members find low cost or free medical care. Staffed by volunteer Dentists and Hygienists, the Dental Clinic provides clients with dental services one Saturday a month. Volunteered dental teams provide a full range of services including cleanings, filings and tooth extractions. Each dental clinic is equipped with the necessary supplies to perform routine dental procedures at the Bridge to Home’s Winter Shelter site.

On September 8, Dr. Joanne Young, DDS saw seven clients as part of the first free clinic. Other members of the volunteer team included dental hygienist Yolanda Appels and dental assistants Abby Albarec and Araceli Gomez. Dr. Young procedures on September 8 included five cleanings, six filings, and seven extractions.

“Each year, nearly two million uninsured Americans are hospitalized due to untreated medical conditions,” Bridge to Home board member Stan Nagle said. “This includes cavities, that left untreated, can turn into an abscess. When this happen, the uninsured must go for treatment at a hospital were the costs are in excess of $10,000. As a way to help, Bridge to Home’s Dental Clinic provides a cost effective service to the Santa Clarita Community.”

A new trailer was purchased to serve a dual purpose; it will provide a space for the dental team to perform their services and will serve as a drug and alcohol counseling office. Volunteers from Valencia United Methodist and the Knights of Columbus installed the trailer’s stairs and ramp. As part of his Eagle Scott Project, Jeremy Day competed the exterior caulking and painting of the Trailer. In addition, Girl Scout Hayden Harker decorated the inside of the trailer as part of her efforts to earn her Gold Award.

For more information about the Bridge to Home-Santa Clarita Shelter, its programs or to become a member of “3,000 friends,” log on to www.btohome.com. To become a member of “3,000 Friends,” click on the Donate button, and for as little as $10 per month you can make a difference in someone’s life today by being the face of God.