Massive Seattle / King county free clinic treats over 3,000 patients in a weekend

3,000 patients, 3,000 volunteers

Story and photos by Doug Cerretti

Seattle/King County Clinic (SKCC) brings together healthcare organizations, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers from across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center.

The Dental X-ray Computer Station serves two dentists and two dental technicians.

After a hiatus of three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a volunteer-driven four-day clinic providing free dental, vision and medical care to anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare was held April 26 to 30, 2023.

Dentist requesting her next patient.

Dental care included extractions, x-rays and deep cleanings. Vision care included vision screening, complete eye exams, reading and prescription eyeglasses. 

And medical care included physical exams, x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, select lab tests, immunizations, foot and wound care, dermatology, physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, behavioral health, and more. 

SKCC is a major function of the Seattle Center Foundation.

X-rays using the handheld Nomad X-ray unit.

The day starts early for patients at 5:30am when admission tickets are distributed on a first come first served basis: 550 for dental, 325 for vision and 200 for medical care each day. 

Those patients needing additional care after SKCC are directed to community health clinics. I again volunteered at the dental x-ray station with a team of dental professionals for triage. 

Analyzing the X-ray to determine the required treatment.

Typically, the dentist will ask a patient what problems they are experiencing. During the examination, I enter the patient's name and ID number into the computer database.

Interpreters wearing red vests are highly visible.

If an x-ray is needed, the dental technician will use a Nomad handheld x-ray unit. The x-ray will appear on the computer screen and the dentist will determine the course of action. 

The patient is sent to one of 89 dental chairs manned by a dentist and dental technician for treatment. 

Dentist communicating with a patient
using an off-site interpreter

In person interpreters are available but if one is not, an interpreter from a remote location is used with a communication station. This SKCC clinic served over 3000 patients with the support of over 3000 volunteers.

The next SKCC will be held February 15-18, 2024

See our previous article on SKCC