$18.4M grant to USC will support oral health for the poor

An $18.4 million grant from First 5 LA will support the University of Southern California (USC) Ostrow School of Dentistry in providing dental care and outreach to children in the area.

The grant is the largest the school has ever received and is projected to affect some 46,000 underprivileged children and families through 2017 via its Community Oral Health Programs.

First 5 LA has been responsible for the oversight of Proposition 10 funds, raised through a 50¢ tax on tobacco products sold in the state, since 1998, the article noted. Proposition 10 revenues pay for healthcare, education, and development initiatives for children up to age 5, as well as their families.

The programs implemented will focus on prevention and oral health education, oral health assessment, and insurance enrollment assistance. The grant will also contribute to the operational costs, sedation services, and training programs for healthcare professionals at two community dental clinics.