FAIRFAX, VA — July 18, 2025 — The Lamb Center has officially reopened its on-site dental clinic, offering expanded care to residents of Fairfax City who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The newly renovated facility aims to provide high-quality, compassionate dental services at no cost to those in need.
The clinic’s transformation was made possible by a $35,000 grant from Fairfax City’s Nonprofit Grant Program and an additional $25,000 from the Inova Community Health Fund. These contributions helped turn the previously outdated setup into a modern dental suite with equipment on par with any private practice in the region.
“Oral health is essential to overall health, and for our guests, this care is often out of reach,” said Tara Ruszkowski, Executive Director of The Lamb Center. “This space offers more than cleanings and procedures—it restores dignity and wellness. It’s an answer to prayer and an act of justice.”
The updated clinic will offer a range of services to eligible guests, including preventive care, fillings, extractions, root canals, gum treatments, and dentures. Dr. Samuel Ham, a longtime volunteer dentist, helped lead the renovation project and oversaw much of the construction and equipment installation himself.
“Everything we can do in a private dental practice, we can now do here,” said Dr. Ham. “Our guests deserve the same quality of care as anyone else in Fairfax County.”
The clinic’s story began years ago with a vision from former board member Sharon Jones and the efforts of Dr. Joe Grieco, the center’s first volunteer dentist. Initially equipped with portable tools, the clinic now features a permanent setup thanks to years of community support, volunteer efforts, and donor funding.
During the dedication ceremony, Pastoral Director Dave Larrabee and Intern Chaplain Chris Elenbaum offered blessings, citing scriptures from Proverbs and Matthew. They described the clinic as a “house built on the rock” and a space filled with “rare and beautiful treasures”—referring to both those who serve and those served.
This dental clinic is now one of the few low-barrier, walk-in dental care providers in Northern Virginia focused on people who are unhoused or lack insurance. All care is provided free of charge.
“In a time when healthcare access is being debated,” said Lesley Abashian, Fairfax City’s Director of Human Services, “this clinic stands as an answer to the question: Who deserves care? Everyone.”
