For over a decade, once a year, the Seattle Center is transformed.
For four days, it becomes a fully functioning health clinic, providing free dental, vision, behavioral health, immunizations, lab tests, mammograms, ultrasounds, X-rays, social work, and more on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone struggling to access or afford services.
Volunteer dentists and staff in action in the dental area of the clinic.
In fact, it is the largest community-driven clinic of its kind in the United States, and Burkhart is proud to have been a part of it for the last ten years.
The Seattle Center first hosted a large-scale community-driven health clinic in 2014, after Founder Julia Colson got the idea during planning for the 50th Anniversary of the World’s Fair. Over 3,000 people in the region are seen during the event, which is funded by grants and donations. The dental area of the clinic has over 90 chairs and offers X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals, and temporary partials.
Burkhart Service Technician Gered Bagocki, left, discusses the trunk line setup for the Mojave vacuum system.
Burkhart Dental Supply contributes to this incredible work by providing discounted supplies, loaned equipment, and donated labor for setup, volunteer work during the event, and teardown.
Burkhart’s technicians contribute far beyond equipment repairs. They assist with seating patients, transporting tools and equipment, and ensuring providers have everything they need to deliver care efficiently.
Burkhart Service Technician Bear Warner, right, carries equipment during setup.
This year, Burkhart provided up to four technicians across four clinic days, totaling approximately 40 to 48 hours of technical and general support to the clinic.
Additionally, this year, Burkhart was pleased to assist the Smile Mobile team with setting up pano sensors, enabling the clinic to utilize panoramic imaging for endodontic patients. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated associates, Tacoma Service Technicians Jason Rehms, Bear Warner, Gered Bagocki, and Michael Skelton, for their time and service.
“Since 2015, the technician support provided by Burkhart Dental Supply has been an essential part of our success…We count on their expertise to keep our equipment running smoothly, allowing providers to stay focused on patient care.” says Franny Schwarz, Project Director for Seattle/King County Clinic.
“Over the last ten years, this partnership has helped us deliver dental services to more than 15,000 members of our community – equating to over $12.5 million in direct care. This is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together, and we are grateful for the continued support,” they say.
Gered Bagocki, Burkhart Service Technician, installs vacuum lines
Burkhart is incredibly honored to have contributed to the success of the Seattle/King County Clinic and remains committed to supporting this and other community health initiatives.
The next clinic will be held April 23 – 26, 2026, at Seattle Center.
Learn more about the Seattle/King County Clinic.
Written by Dawn Kahl. Clinic Photos by Auston James.
Published in Catalyst – Q4 2025.
Category: Giving Back
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