As firefighters and EMS personnel across Spokane County continue working extended shifts during the region's wildfire response, Avenue Dental Care North Spokane is offering free emergency dental appointments to those serving in these roles. Below, the practice's lead dentist, Dr. Navdeep Virk, answers the questions first responders most commonly ask about the program.

Q: Who is eligible for free emergency dental care?
A: Career and volunteer firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, law enforcement officers, and 911 dispatchers — including out-of-area personnel deployed to the current wildfires — all qualify.

Q: What does the offer actually cover?
A: An exam, necessary X-rays, and urgent treatment as clinically indicated for emergency issues: pain, infection, swelling, a broken or knocked-out tooth, or a lost filling or crown. "This is emergency care, not a general checkup," said Dr. Virk. "If something is causing pain right now, that's what this covers."

Q: Does it cost anything, or do I need insurance?
A: No. There is no out-of-pocket cost and no insurance requirement for eligible first responders.

Q: How do I prove I qualify?
A: A department ID, badge, or deployment paperwork at the time of scheduling.

Q: What if I work a 24-hour shift or a deployed rotation — can I still get a same-day appointment?
A: The practice asks responders in that situation to call ahead. "If someone's due back on shift in a few hours, we want to work them in that same day, not next week," said Dr. Virk.

Q: What are the hours?
A: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Q: Why is the practice doing this now?
A: Spokane Fire Department crews responded to 54,312 calls in 2024, about 82 percent medical, according to department figures — a workload now stretched further by wildfire response. "Firefighters and first responders dedicate themselves to protecting others," Dr. Virk said. "We wanted to make sure a dental emergency is one less thing they have to manage."

Q: Is Avenue Dental Care affiliated with the fire department?
A: No. The practice is not affiliated with the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane County Fire District, or IAFF Local 29 — this is an independent initiative.

Q: Where should I go for wildfire updates, like evacuations or air quality?
A: Contact Spokane County Emergency Management directly, not the dental practice.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: Call (509) 467-8000 or visit https://www.avenuedentalcares.com/spokane-wa/

Program Summary

Location: Avenue Dental Care North Spokane, 755 E Holland Ave, Spokane, WA 99218
Phone: (509) 467-8000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

About: Led by Dr. Navdeep Virk with Dr. Gregg Liedtka in restorative and implant dentistry, Avenue Dental Care North Spokane provides general, cosmetic, and emergency dental care to the Spokane community.

Media Contact:
Avenue Dental Care North Spokane
755 E Holland Ave, Spokane, WA 99218
(509) 467-8000
https://www.avenuedentalcares.com/spokane-wa/