MEND Poverty

DENTAL SERVICES

2013 Dental Clinic Lead Sponsor

The Dental Clinic encompasses eight state-of-the-art dental units. Primary dental services include cleanings, fillings, extractions, sealants and some endodontic procedures. Oral surgery is also provided on site, and periodontal treatments are available as needed. Fluoride treatments for children are provided twice yearly. Patients in need of dentures, partial dentures or crowns may receive the service once they have participated and been selected in the monthly raffle. In 2012 the clinic hosted more than 4,500 patient visits.

In collaboration with the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, MEND Dental Clinic also provides free dental screenings and fluoride treatment to over 500 children during the annual Give Kids a Smile event in February.

Holistic Approach

An oral hygiene education program helps patients learn proper teeth brushing, use of floss, reduction of sugar intake, and other healthy habits. Patients are provided with free toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, appropriate educational literature, and any necessary medications. Volunteers provide training to mothers of newborns during MEND’s bi-annual baby showers, to elementary children during our Head to Toes event, and to individual patients in consultations at the Dental Clinic.

Pathways to Self-Reliance

Job training in dental assisting is provided to MEND’s low-income clients. In addition, missing teeth or severe dental problems can often be a person’s biggest setback to finding employment. The Dental Clinic removes this barrier by repairing smiles and healing poor dental conditions. Patients, who are provided an introductory, four-session dental hygiene treatment, are also given hygiene instruction and followed-up over a six-month period to ensure that they continue caring for their teeth and gums properly.

Powered By Volunteers

Approximately 50 volunteers, including more than 20 dental professionals, participate in MEND’s Dental Clinic each month.

Dental Clinic Partners

The Dental Clinic is grateful for the assistance of its lead partners, Verizon, Loma Linda University  School of Dentistry, West Los Angeles College Dental Hygiene Program, and the University of the Pacific Virtual Dental Home, as well as that of the following organizations:

• Burbank Kids Community Dental Clinic
• California Dental Association
• Concorde Career College
• Hispanic Dental Association
• In His Hands CPR
• San Fernando Valley Dental Assistant Society
• San Fernando Valley Dental Society
• UEI College
• VCCC Oral Health Committee

Program Schedules:

Dental Clinic

• Clinic schedule varies. Dental registration is every Tuesday; applications are limited. Patients with pain may walk in on clinic days.
• A donation of $10.00 is requested for each clinic, each visit
• Need to Bring: proof of address, proof of income, and picture I.D.
• Restrictions: Clinic services are available ONLY for patients who do NOT have Denti-Cal or private insurance.
• Other Information: Basic services provided on a very limited basis.

Among the Dental Clinic activities MEND participates in is the California Dental Association Convention where Denise Sanchez, Dental Clinic Manager, met Lakers hall of famer James Worthy in 2013.