As part of ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to dental care in underserved regions, the CDA Foundation partnered with the Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Oral Health and the Trinity County Public Health Department to host a dental clinic Oct. 9-12 in Weaverville, California.
The partnership marks an essential move toward fulfilling the health care needs of remote communities and shines a spotlight on the importance of collaborative interventions.
Collaborative effort with Smile Dental Services benefits patients
The event put into action the recently adopted model that focuses on placement of patients into dental homes to support their ongoing, comprehensive oral health care needs. Community members received dental exams, X-rays, prophies, fluoride varnish, extractions, sealants, fillings and other services.
The mobile dental practice Smile Dental Services provided the care and will continue to provide comprehensive dental services to Medi-Cal patients throughout the county.
Santos Cortez, DDS, a CDA Foundation board member, expressed the organization’s collective pride and commitment, stating, “We’re honored to collaborate on this important initiative, which ensures ongoing dental care in underserved areas like Trinity County. This partnership highlights our dedication to finding innovative solutions to meet the dental needs of Californians who face significant barriers to accessing care.”
Richard Graham, DDS, CDA Foundation Chair, reinforced this sentiment. “At the CDA Foundation, breaking down barriers to care is at the heart of our mission. We are proud to be part of this partnership, which ensures ongoing and comprehensive dental services in rural areas like Trinity County, and we’re excited for the long-term impact this collaboration will have on the health of these communities.”
Paving the way for future oral health care
The initiative showcased the power of collaborative endeavors in overcoming logistical challenges and addressing the dearth of accessible dental services in remote areas. The event’s success bodes well for future collaborative clinics and initiatives, paving the way for sustainable health care development in rural California communities.
As the CDA Foundation and its partners continue to explore new avenues for delivering necessary care, lessons learned will undoubtedly contribute to shaping policies and practices that better serve remote communities. Learn more about the CDA Foundation, future events and how to get involved.