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Bringing Smiles to Schools: El Dorado Smiles Dental Van Expands Access to Essential Care
13:55 PM - October 21, 2024
The El Dorado Smiles Dental Van, administered by the El Dorado Community Health Centers, is a mobile unit that provides essential dental services to local communities. In collaboration with First 5 of El Dorado, the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Department, and the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE), the dental van visits school sites across the county, offering care to children who might otherwise have difficulty accessing a dentist.
For many families in El Dorado County, finding a dental office that accepts Medi-Cal is a significant challenge. Few clinics are available, and parents’ busy work schedules often make getting children to a dental appointment unfeasible. This lack of access to dental care has serious consequences, as cavities remain the most common chronic childhood disease, five to eight times more prevalent than asthma. Without timely care, children are more likely to miss school due to dental pain or complications.
The El Dorado Smiles Dental Van emphasizes prevention by providing cleanings and transmitting x-rays and photos back to the dental clinic for further evaluation. For many children, this service marks the first time they've seen a dentist, and the experience is often met with gratitude from families. By bringing dental care directly to schools and communities, the program breaks down barriers to access and helps ensure that all children have the opportunity to maintain a healthy smile, reducing school absences and promoting overall well-being. EDCOE is proud to support this crucial program!