Tuesday, Nov 25, 2014
The California Dental Association Foundation’s two-day dental clinic, CDA Cares, provided $1.66 million in charitable dental services to 1,861 people during the Nov. 21-22 event in Pomona.
The CDA Foundation and CDA host CDA Cares to provide dental services and oral health education at no charge to Californians who experience barriers to care. In addition, the event is an opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of oral health and the need for an adequately funded state oral health infrastructure.
“CDA advocated for the reinstatement of adult Denti-Cal and a new position of state dental director to develop a state oral health plan, including prevention programs and applying for federal dollars to support oral health,” said CDA President Walter Weber, DDS. “We are pleased that the state is now in the process of hiring a dental director. Additionally, the partial restoration of adult Denti-Cal last May is a good first step, but it’s evident from our events that more needs to be done to make it a workable program for both patients and dentists.”
During the two-day charity event, dentists and dental professionals provided fillings, extractions, cleanings and oral health education. Additionally, volunteer technicians in the dental lab area worked to provide 345 full and partial dentures and repairs, allowing many who have been unemployed to feel confident during a job interview.
The Pomona clinic was supported by 1,752 volunteers, including more than 900 health professionals — dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, nurses and dental lab technicians — as well as hundreds of community volunteers who helped make the event a success.
“Volunteers are vital to the success of CDA Cares and we appreciate everyone who donated their time and skills to this event,” said Don Rollofson, DMD, chair of the CDA Foundation. “The support of Pomona and surrounding communities has helped impact many lives, and we’re very grateful for their commitment to helping others.”
For more information on CDA Cares, visit cdafoundation.org/cdacares.