Service members assigned to Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor Dental Clinic and Naval Hospital Bremerton teamed up with civilian colleagues to provide dental care for local patients at the Pacific Avenue Dental Clinic in Bremerton June 27.

The volunteer effort was part of the Kitsap County Dental Net outreach program, which provides financially disadvantaged citizens with free dental care such as X-ray examinations, hygiene, fillings and extractions.

“This is our second free dental clinic we held this year,” said Kathy Hamlett, volunteer coordinator from NBK Bangor Dental Clinic. “We started this outreach program seven years ago, and we wanted to do something to help people in the community who don’t have the funds to get proper dental care.”

The free dental clinic is operated with the help of volunteer support from local dentists and from service members within the Kitsap County area.

“Sailors are always ready and willing to help us out when we open up the free clinic to the public,” added Hamlett. “Volunteers are the crust of what this outreach is all about, and we appreciate the Navy’s help.”

Hamlett and Tina Soete founded Kitsap County Dental Net, which is a non-profit agency that finds dental resources and care for hundreds who otherwise would not have access to it. Hamlett and Soete coordinate free weekend clinics by asking local dentists, hygienists and clinical assistants to provide pro bono dental care at private dental offices in Kitsap County.

By the day’s end, 25 patients were treated at the clinic for free. Some received minor cleaning and others had pain relieved from their toothaches.

For Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Ernesto Oliveros, assigned to NBK Bangor Clinic, volunteering is a way to show the community the military cares.

“It’s good to help out and help those who are less fortunate because not everyone can afford dental care,” said Oliveros. “Patients are very grateful, and it’s nice to make someone happy.”

“The economy is going through rough times and people need our help,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Karina Trejo. “By being here, I represent the Navy and show the community the military supports them. I am happy to be helping out in anyway I can.”