21-05-2025
A Lifeline for the Forgotten: Omnidenture Helps Clients in Washington's Dental Crisis
Everett, WA – As Washington State's dental care infrastructure buckles under the combined weight of federal and state budget cuts, Everett-based clinic Omnidenture is not backing down.
It's doubling down—expanding its services, deepening community partnerships, and stepping into leadership as one of the few clinics in the region still offering consistent, compassionate care to challenged clients.
These are the people society often overlooks: seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, trauma survivors, low-income families, and those with complex medical or psychological needs.
Budget Cuts Create a Perfect Storm for Vulnerable Patients
In the months following the federal rollback of dental Medicaid matching funds and the elimination key oral health grants, providers across Washington have sounded the alarm.
Clinics have closed, waitlists have surged, and providers are burned out. But the people hit hardest are those with the fewest resources.
'State and federal budget cuts didn't just reduce funding. They broke the spirit of the system,' said Dr. Nishita Shah, lead prosthodontist and founder of Omnidenture.
'What we're seeing now is a silent epidemic—people living in pain, ashamed of their appearance, avoiding meals, work, and social life, all because they can't access basic dental care.'
According to the Washington State Department of Health, dental care disruptions have directly affected over 87,000 low-income and Medicaid-enrolled residents since March. Community clinics and mobile units have been hit especially hard in rural counties. Urban populations, meanwhile, face overwhelmed providers and narrowing eligibility criteria.
Omnidenture's Commitment to Challenged Clients: A Four-Pillar Approach
At the center of this crisis, Omnidenture has emerged as a model for resilience and compassion. Rather than scaling back, the clinic has built a four-pillar care model that addresses the most pressing challenges faced by underserved populations: Accessibility and Inclusion Financial Equity and Affordability Specialized Services for Complex Needs Community-Based Partnerships and Advocacy
Each pillar supports one goal: ensuring no one is denied care due to circumstances beyond their control.
1. Accessibility and Inclusion: Meeting Patients Where They Are
Omnidenture's priority is ensuring physical and emotional access to care. This includes: Wheelchair-accessible operatories
Transportation assistance
House visits for patients with mobility limitations
Interpreter services in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and ASL
Sensory-friendly environments for patients with autism or PTSD
The clinic also accommodates flexible appointment times, including early morning, late evening, and weekend availability for patients with caregiving duties, shift work, or anxiety-related scheduling challenges.
Case Study: Raymond, Age 34
Raymond, a developmentally disabled man in Snohomish County, hadn't seen a dentist in over six years due to fear, sensory issues, and transportation challenges. His mother had tried repeatedly to find a provider to meet his needs.
'Everywhere we went, they either said they weren't equipped or quoted thousands upfront,' she said.
Omnidenture created a custom sedation plan, coordinated with Raymond's care team, arranged transport, and allowed a support animal in the room. Today, Raymond is infection-free and smiling for the first time in years.
2. Financial Equity: Removing Cost as a Barrier
With federal subsidies gone and Medicaid support weakened, Omnidenture now offers one of the most comprehensive affordability programs in the region: Sliding-scale fees based on income
based on income 0% financing options for dentures, implants, and complete restorative work
for dentures, implants, and complete restorative work Payment deferrals for hardship cases
for hardship cases Crowdfunded treatment sponsorships through its ' Sponsor a Smile ' campaign
through its ' ' campaign Access to nonprofit dental grants through local partnerships
'Our goal is to make the money question irrelevant regarding health,' said Dr. Shah. 'We will always find a solution for those who need help.'
Carla's Story: A Survivor's Smile Restored
Carla M., 39, came to Omnidenture after surviving domestic abuse that left her with broken and missing teeth. She had no insurance and no income at the time.
'I didn't think I deserved to look normal again,' she said.
Omnidenture created a 100% grant-funded care plan in partnership with a local women's shelter and dental relief fund. Carla has complete upper and lower dentures and has resumed work as a home health aide.
3. Specialized Services for Complex Cases
Unlike many providers who turn away complicated cases due to time, cost, or risk, Omnidenture welcomes medically and socially complex patients. The clinic has invested in: Sedation dentistry and behavioural support plans
Advanced denture fabrication and implants for facial trauma
Oral health screenings for cancer survivors
Chronic illness management (e.g., diabetes and dental complications)
Trauma-informed care protocols
James, the Veteran Who Almost Gave Up
After his VA dental benefits were discontinued, James L., a 72-year-old disabled veteran, lived with a broken implant and gum infection for over 8 months.
'I just assumed no one would help me,' he said.
Omnidenture created a custom prosthetic, waived nearly 60% of the total cost, and worked with a veterans' aid organization to cover the remainder. 'They treated me like a person, not a patient file,' he said.
4. Community Partnerships and Systems Navigation
Omnidenture's final pillar involves collaboration. The clinic works with over 20 nonprofits and public health agencies to close referral gaps and comprehensively support their patients.
Key partners include: Everett Veterans Coalition
YWCA Domestic Violence Services
Catholic Community Services
Washington Disability Rights Center
Local shelters and food banks
These partnerships allow for: Coordinated case management
Shared care plans
Cross-referrals for housing, food, and mental health support
Training programs for dental assistants from underserved communities
From Crisis to Advocacy: A New Mission Emerges
While continuing its day-to-day services, Omnidenture is stepping into a larger role as an advocate for systemic change. In April 2025, the clinic co-launched #SaveOurSmilesWA, a public awareness and legislative advocacy campaign aimed at: Restoring federal Medicaid dental funds
Reinstating oral health workforce training programs
Securing emergency relief funds for clinics in crisis
Expanding dental parity for disability and veteran populations
The campaign has garnered support from the Washington Dental Association, Public Health Alliance, and over 12 state legislators.
'We are not just fixing teeth. We are defending the dignity of people who deserve to be seen, heard, and cared for,' said Dr. Shah.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Solutions and Sustaining Compassion
In 2025, Omnidenture plans to: Open a second mobile unit for house calls and community outreach
for house calls and community outreach Expand tele-dentistry services to reach rural and homebound patients
to reach rural and homebound patients Launch a dental scholarship program for low-income high school students pursuing healthcare careers
for low-income high school students pursuing healthcare careers Train additional trauma-informed dental assistants
Create a regional hub for complex denture and implant care
How You Can Help
As demand grows, Omnidenture is asking the public to join its mission. Every dollar, referral, and volunteer hour makes a difference.
Ways to support: Donate to the 'Sponsor a Smile' program
to the 'Sponsor a Smile' program Refer clients from community centers or case management agencies
clients from community centers or case management agencies Advocate for Medicaid and dental parity at the state and federal level
for Medicaid and dental parity at the state and federal level Volunteer if you are a licensed dental professional or student
if you are a licensed dental professional or student Share this release to raise awareness
Media Contact:
Omnidenture Clinic1710 100th Place SESuite 102Everett, WA 98208📧 omnismiles@ Tel: 425-224-4620
📠 Fax: 425-224-4621
