An effort between San Diego County and community clinics will provide free dental care to local children, it was announced Tuesday.
The County’s Dental Health Initiative/Share the Care program, the San Diego Dental Health Foundation and six community dental clinics will be providing free dental sealants and fluoride varnish to low-income children ages 1 to 18 years that have no dental resources on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.
“The cost of sealants and fluoride varnish is sometimes prohibitive for some families, but it’s such a huge preventative measure in reducing cavities and protecting their teeth,” said Kym Hodge, Dental Health Initiative/Share the Care program manager.
Depending on their age, children will also receive fluoride varnish, a special fluoride coating painted on all teeth; or dental sealants, a special coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Both dental sealants and fluoride varnish are safe and painless ways to protect teeth and help prevent cavities.
Many children do not have a regular dentist and do not receive routine dental care and prevention services.
“Both dental sealants and fluoride varnish are safe and painless ways to protect teeth and help prevent cavities,” said Hodge. “It’s also our hope that this event will introduce families to local professionals who can provide regular dental exams and treatments for their children.”
Families can call 619-692-8858 to schedule an appointment for the location nearest them. Children with appointments will be given priority, but walk-ins are welcome.
The six locations for the event are:
Vista Community Clinic: Vale Terrace
1000 Vale Terrace Dr.
Vista, CA 92084
Neighborhood Healthcare
Ray M. Dickinson Wellness Center
425 N Date St., Ste 129
Escondido, CA 92025
San Ysidro Chula Vista Medical Plaza
678 Third Ave.
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Operation Samahan Mira Mesa Clinic
10737 Camino Ruiz
Suite 138
San Diego, CA 92126
Operation Samahan Community Health Center
2835 Highland Ave.
Suite A
National City, CA 91950
Grossmont/Spring Valley Family Health Center
8788 Jamacha Rd.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
