The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic recently served 35 children, ages 12 and under, with $7,567 in complimentary dental services at its sixth annual Give Kids A Smile event, at the clinic on the Santa Ynez Reservation.
The free dental work also provided exams, cleanings and more.
“Our Give Kids A Smile event was a big success,” said Dr. Mike Savidan, dental director for Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic (SYTHC). “It’s a privilege to see our dental staff inspire the next generation to prioritize their health.
“Events like this allow us to highlight the importance of pediatric oral health, and to make an immediate and meaningful impact on the well‑being of our youngest patients.”
As one of SYTHC’s biggest events of the year, the clinic’s Dental Department provided care for any local child regardless of income or insurance status.
Children received a comprehensive oral examination (including X-rays when appropriate), teeth cleaning, oral health education, and dietary recommendations. Any treatment diagnosed during the exams will be completed at follow-up visits throughout 2026.
The event was staffed by SYTHC dentists, registered dental assistants and dental hygienists.
During last year’s event, some $7,300 in dental services were provided to 28 children at no cost to their families.
Give Kids A Smile is a national program started in 2003 by the American Dental Association (ADA), with the goal of providing no-cost care for thousands of children at hundreds of locations nationwide.
Located at 90 Via Juana Lane in Santa Ynez, SYTHC accommodates more than 26,000 patient visits per year, has an active patient population of some 9,200, and employs 68 team members.
While the clinic’s comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health services are available to Chumash Community Members, the clinic also treats non-native patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds with unique needs. The facility accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal and most major insurance plans.
The clinic is an unincorporated instrumentality of the tribe and is part of the Indian Health Service. SYTHC is also a Federally Qualified Health Center that receives grant and third-party funding as a mature contractor.
For more, call 805-688-7070 or visit www.sythc.org.