SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Feb. 12 marked a day of free smiles for 48 low-income children in Santa Cruz County thanks to Dientes’ celebration of Give Kids A Smile Day.
This annual day of free care, which has grown to serve more than 300,000 children each year across the U.S., is part of National Children’s Dental Health Month. Funding for this event was provided by donations through the 2021 Santa Cruz Gives campaign.
The value of services provided totaled over $17,000 and included oral health exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. Dientes’ partner, Santa Cruz Community Health, attended the event to provide patients with enrollment information for Medi-Cal.
The event was themed to the film “101 Dalmatians.” Patients and their families took photos together and wrote thank you notes after their exams.
“Thank you for this amazing program,” one parent wrote. “I’m happy that my child was able to get this dental attention thanks to wonderful people like you. Staff here is so kind—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay is the most common chronic illness among children.
Several patients seen at Give Kids A Smile Day were originally seen at Dientes’ Outreach Program, which provides on-site dental care to over 30 locations across Santa Cruz County. Its mission is to create lasting oral health for underserved children and adults; 96% of patients live at or below the poverty level.
“Children’s dental care is critical because of the opportunity for early intervention with preventative care and oral health education–both can reduce the need for dental treatment,” said Dientes’ Pediatric Dentist Dr. Sean Silverio. “I take pride in creating positive experiences for our children so that they are excited to return to see us, and in building confidence in their parents that their loved ones are in good hands.”
