Father Joe’s Villages has received a $150,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation to expand access to dental care for low-income and homeless individuals in San Diego.
The funding will support the organization’s oral health clinic, which provides services such as teeth cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions and partial or complete dentures. The clinic also offers dentures and other treatments to the aging population.
“This grant represents an extraordinary step in our efforts to provide dental care for our most vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Megan Partch, chief health officer at Father Joe’s Villages. “Because of the support of organizations like Delta Dental, we can provide quality dental care for those who otherwise may not be able to afford it.”
The clinic is located within the Village Health Center, which offers integrated healthcare services including primary care, psychiatry and behavioral health treatment, as well as outpatient substance use disorder services. Walk-in appointments are available, and dental emergencies can often be treated the same day.
Father Joe’s Villages said most adults experiencing homelessness have significant, untreated dental issues. Poor oral health can lead to pain, chronic disease and difficulty finding work or eating solid food. The organization aims to restore confidence, self-sufficiency and dignity through access to dental care.
