Restoring Smiles and Hope at the County of San Mateo Navigation Center

The County of San Mateo Navigation Center offers an on-site dental clinic—the first of its kind in Northern California—that provides comprehensive care, from cleanings to surgery, five days a week. It also serves as a training ground for dental students under the supervision of Dental Clinic Director Dr. Lynne Wong.

One client who has experienced life-changing care at the clinic is Jose, who has been at the Navigation Center for about 90 days. A former union worker, he became homeless after suffering a spinal injury on the job. For five years, he sought dental care but was repeatedly turned away due to his Medi-Cal coverage, eventually losing hope. That changed when he arrived at the Navigation Center—within 10 days, he was seen at the clinic. Since then, he has undergone five exams, surgery, and a cap replacement. Calling the clinic “a blessing in disguise,” he now looks forward to cleanings.