“Dentists With A Heart” Open Their Offices to Low Income Children on February 10th [1]

public [2]

SAN JOSE, California – More than 350 children from low income families in Santa Clara Valley will receive free dental care on Thursday, February 10, during the fourth annual “Dentists With A Heart” Day sponsored by The Health Trust. For many, it will be their first visit to the dentist and the first opportunity to have painful teeth treated.

At the offices of private dentists throughout Santa Clara County, children will have their teeth examined, cleaned, treated with fluoride, sealants applied, and cavities filled. Some children will even have oral surgery and start a multi-year orthodontia program. Every child will receive education on how to take care of their teeth to prevent dental problems in the future.

This is the fourth year that The Health Trust has organized “Dentists With A Heart” Day with the Santa Clara County Dental Dental Society [3]. In addition to public, drop-in screening events held at three local libraries, The Health Trust asked local schools, health clinics, community centers, government agencies and nonprofit organizations such as the Santa Clara County Family Health Plan to help identify children who need dental care.

Throughout the year, underserved children in Santa Clara County have access to dental care from The Health Trust’s at a dental clinic at the Franklin McKinley School District Office and at a mobile clinic.

A needs assessment commissioned by The Health Trust in 2001 found that an estimated 120,000 children in Santa Clara County have untreated dental problems but no access to dental care. For more information, visit The Health Trust website at www.healthtrust.org.

About The Health Trust
The Health Trust is a public benefit corporation committed to improving the health and wellness of at-risk, underserved Santa Clara County residents. Focusing on children, frail elderly, and vulnerable adults, The Health Trust operates its own programs and issues grants to other community health agencies.

About Santa Clara County Dental Society
The Santa Clara County Dental Society is the local chapter of the American and California Dental Associations. An estimated 80% of all dentists in the county are members.

SOURCE: The Health Trust