The CDA Foundation on Aug. 17 hosted a CDA Cares clinic in Long Beach, California, using a newly adopted model that focuses on placement of patients into dental homes to meet their comprehensive oral health care needs.

The numbers demonstrate the impact the event had on the oral health of the community.

• 92 patients attended the clinic.
• 107 patients were placed into dental homes for comprehensive care.
• 384 procedures were performed.
• $36,618 in dental services was provided.
• 49 volunteers

Dr. Santos Cortez, CDA Foundation Cares committee member, reported, “It was a great day, and all the patients were extremely grateful for the care they received.” He points to the efforts of volunteers and sponsors to make the event run smoothly. “We had a wonderful group of volunteers who were flexible and stepped up wherever necessary to ensure the patients were well taken care of.”

Thanks and recognition

Dr. John Blake and the Children’s Dental Health Clinic were instrumental to the success of CDA Cares Long Beach by partnering again with the Foundation to hold the event. “John Blake and the CDHC staff were amazing and worked extremely hard to ensure a successful clinic,” noted Cortez.

Dr. Cortez and Dr. Gary Glasband are both Harbor Dental Society board members and served as leads for the event. Their experience and knowledge of the new CDA Cares model ensured a seamless clinic flow. In addition to providing leadership volunteers, Harbor Dental Society was instrumental in helping to publicize the event and drive patient and volunteer interest.

The CDA Cares clinic in Long Beach was made possible by generous donations, including those from the following sponsors:

• Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
• Proctor and Gamble
• Stater Bros.
• Western Dental

The Foundation also received support from California Community Foundation, International City Bank, Morgan Stanley, Orange County Dental Society, Pierre Fauchard Academy Foundation, Port of Long Beach, San Francisco Dental Society, Schwab Charitable Fund and TABC Inc.

Get involved

The next CDA Cares clinic will be held Oct. 9-12 in Weaverville and will serve children ages 5-9 in Trinity County. Volunteer dentists and dental assistants are needed. Please fill out this form to become a volunteer.

Visit the CDA Foundation website to learn about future events and how to get involved.