CDA Cares event treats 2,200 in San Diego

A recent two-day San Diego County dental clinic hosted by CDA Cares provided more than $1.6 million in charitable care and treated 2,203 patients.

Hosted by the California Dental Association (CDA) Foundation and the CDA, the volunteer dental clinic was held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from December 7-8.

This was the first CDA Cares event in Southern California and the fourth clinic held by CDA and the CDA Foundation since 2012 that provided dental services and oral health education at no charge to Californians who experience barriers to care.

CDA President James Stephens, DDS, who has volunteered at all four events, noted that the event also highlighted the need for good oral health and the need for an adequately funded dental safety net, including a state dental director to coordinate programs to improve the oral health of Californians. CDA Cares has worked to get Adult Denti-Cal reinstated and is now trying to get the state to address underfunding issues.

During the two-day event, dentists and dental professionals provided more than 12,518 dental procedures, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and oral health education. Additionally, volunteer dental lab technicians worked to create 221 complete and partial dentures and repairs.

The clinic was supported by 1,700 volunteers, including more than 900 health professionals, as well as hundreds of community volunteers.

The next CDA Cares event is scheduled to be held in Solano County in April 2014. Those interested in volunteering or donating can contact the CDA at www.cdafoundation.org.