The Free Clinic of Simi Valley officially opened the first free dental clinic in East Ventura County on May 19. The clinic is at 1725 Deodora St. in Simi Valley.

The grand opening was in collaboration with the Ambassadors of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller led a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Susan Ng, community and government relations manager for Kaiser Permanente, presented a contribution of $15,000 for the dental clinic.

"Our dental clinic . . . is a community-wide achievement, beginning with the facility and equipment made available by the Simi Valley Unified School District's Adult School Program. The generosity of Kaiser Permanente, among other financial supporters, together with a cadre of volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, and our devoted staff has made this long-held dream a reality," said Fred Bauermeister, executive director of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.

The Free Clinic provides high quality care to the uninsured

working poor, both adults and children. The dental facility has five chairs, and currently offers examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fillings, simple extractions and fluoride treatment.

Studies point to associations between oral infections and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and low-weight births. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a disproportionate number of those in lower socio-economic groups have untreated oral disease.

Since 1971, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley has provided primary medical care, counseling, and legal assistance to individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay.

In 2005, the Clinic began offering free dental care, the first free dental facility in East Ventura County. This volunteerbased service organization serves Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, and surrounding communities.

For more information on dental services or appointments, call (805) 522-3733.