Geriatric Dental Group of WA is a nonprofit organization that offers dental services at discounts of up to 50 percent. The Federal Way clinic, which opened in 2007, serves more than 1,000 patients.

Patients travel from all over the region, and even from other states, to receive treatment at the Federal Way clinic, according to executive director Amy Linder.

For many seniors, dental care is a big out-of-pocket expense. Geriatric Dental may not try to sell the “Hollywood smile,” but it does provide basic services such as cleanings, extractions, dentures and more. The clinic also relies on donations and grants.

The staff at Geriatric Dental includes a pair of English golden retrievers named Oliver and Stanley. Clients appreciate the comfort these therapy dogs bring to their treatment, Linder said. In fact, during lunch breaks, Linder often takes her dogs to French Lake Park in Federal Way.

According to the Washington Dental Service Foundation, nearly 16 percent of seniors have not had a dental appointment in the past five years, and that one in five seniors has untreated cavities.

Geriatric Dental Group is located at 728 S. 320th St., Suite A, Federal Way. Contact (253) 839-1300 or visit www.geriatricdental.org.