Friday Harbor — Fish for Teeth, a volunteer-run nonprofit, is expanding free dental services for island residents who lack affordable care. The group operates the Community Dental Clinic four times a year and helps more than 100 people annually.
Organizers say emergency rooms cannot resolve tooth infections; hospitals may prescribe antibiotics, but only dentists can treat the underlying problem. Access is limited on the islands because many local dentists do not accept Medicaid/Apple Health and many residents lack dental insurance. Fish for Teeth fills that gap.
Through 2026 and 2027, the nonprofit will lease clinic space for a monthly day clinic staffed by Dr. Jessica Dubek and her DentALL traveling dental team. The monthly clinic is expected to add 15–20 patients each month, bringing the program’s reach to more than 250 people per year. Fish for Teeth coordinates scheduling and secure record-keeping with San Juan County Health & Community Services.
PeaceHealth is supporting the expansion through a community benefit grant to Peace Island Medical Center, and organizers express gratitude to Dr. Dubek’s team for their contribution.
Fish for Teeth raises funds through community events and small revenue streams. Its annual Fish Taco fundraiser, typically held in autumn, funds a large portion of services, but this year’s event was canceled due to organizer scheduling conflicts. The organization also collects donations from a Penny-Press machine on Spring Street and receives a 1% donation from Kings Market and Kings Marine receipts through Valmark.
The nonprofit is entirely volunteer-operated with no paid staff and a minimal administrative budget, ensuring donations directly support dental care. Fish for Teeth is a 501(c)(3) organization; contributions are tax-deductible. Organizers note that donors aged 70½ or older can direct a Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA to support the group.
