Reflecting on Vashon’s fifth annual free dental day
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, June 9, 2026
We are glad to have held our 5th annual “Give Vashon a Smile” event on May 29. Our mission for this event is to reach out to those with limited or no access to dental care and decrease pain and suffering in our community.
My dental service journey started in 2009 when I participated in the Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC) where I lived with a host family for two months and performed dental procedures (mostly oral surgeries) — operating out of a brick-propped, tilted-back rocking chair. We worked outdoors with instruments powered by generators and compressors in the mountains of Dominican Republic, and the experience was transformative.
In 2010, on Vashon, I started volunteering for Medical Teams International which deploys dental vans to communities in need and I always felt there was so much more treatment needed than I could provide in one day, in a two-operatory dental van. I would often see young patients who had abscessed and decayed front teeth, which required extraction, and it was heartbreaking to think how their missing front teeth might affect their ability to eat, feel confident or apply for a job. I knew that with even minimal follow-up care at another Vashon dental event I could have replacement teeth made and restore dignity and quality of life.
I then became excited about the idea of holding an event in my own practice with six operatories and a staff and armamentarium I am completely familiar with. I brought the idea up to my team and immediately I had all the volunteers needed to host this event! The only thing missing was community outreach and in walks Hilary Emmer. Hilary has been instrumental in keeping our chairs filled, triaging and following up with patients.
Through King County grants, Granny’s Attic, Youth & Family Services and generous community members, patients can get follow-up care at my office throughout the rest of the year until the next “Give Vashon a Smile” event. During our event this year we saw 25 patients, extracted nine abscessed teeth, prevented dental infections with deep cleanings and dental restorations and helped develop future treatment plans with help from local organizations and grants.
My staff has volunteered their time for this event every year which makes me very proud to be part of this team! Equally important as the dentistry they receive, we want people to know that they are seen, heard and that their needs are important.
Marc Langland is a lifelong islander, and a longtime practicing dentist on Vashon, seeing patients at Langland Dental Associates.
