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San diego Dentist Brings Free Mobile Dental Care to Those in Need
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Providing crucial access to oral healthcare, Project Allsmiles is transforming lives across San Diego County.
Under a canopy on a sunny day in Pacific Beach, Sarah st. John sets up her mobile dental practice, ready to see her first patient. “I love what I do,” the Project Allsmiles Founder said.”Twenty plus years in dentistry.This is pretty much my favorite role.”
Addressing a Critical Gap in Healthcare Access
St. John launched Project Allsmiles about a year ago as a nonprofit dedicated to providing free dental care to underserved individuals and families, and connecting them with ongoing, permanent care solutions. Having previously worked in dentistry and public health across two other states, St. john recognized the significant barriers many face when attempting to access dental services. “Noticing the barriers and the difficulties of gaining access to dental care for low-income individuals and families, she wanted to help fill that gap,” the report states.
The organization was initially established in 2019, but operations were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic. St. John resumed seeing patients in October 2024, bringing her services directly to locations like the Shoreline Community Center in pacific Beach and safe sleeping sites.
Reaching Over 500 Patients in One Year
In just one year, St. John has provided care to more than 500 patients. many, like Lu Anne Stalmer, have become repeat clients. “It’s so expensive to go to a dentist,and to have something like this is for real for people. We need a break once in a while,” Stalmer explained.
The impact extends beyond the dental work itself.Stalmer emphasized the importance of St. John’s compassionate approach. “Because of her personality and what she does is really good for people,” she said. Patients have shared stories of how a restored smile has boosted their confidence before job interviews, family events, and simply for an improved sense of well-being. St. John also prioritizes oral healthcare education alongside cleanings. “there is nothing better than the reactions that I see,” St. John said. “A lot of confidence just from the minute they sit down to the minute they walk away. And the weeks following it as well.”
A Lean Team with Big Impact
Remarkably, St.John often operates with a team of just two – or even alone on some days.She is actively seeking to expand her team by adding more dental hygienists and assistants to increase the organization’s reach and serve more individuals. “I hope to move forward and do it for a long time,” St.John stated.
Her dedication is deeply rooted in her love for San Diego.”It’s the city that I love. It’s the city that’s given me all of my adult opportunities, my education, my family, and now, my life’s work,” St. John said. “So there’s nothing better than San Diego, and we love you, San Diego.”
Recognized for Community Leadership
St. John’s commitment and contribution to the community have been recognized with the ABC 10News Leadership Award for November. Visit ABC 10News to learn more.
Those interested in supporting Project Allsmiles through donations or volunteer work can visit their website [here](link to website). This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness
