Do you remember what a stir Surgeon General David Satcher’s report on oral health created in May of 2000? The report focused on the relationship between oral health and overall good health throughout life, the mouth being a “mirror for general health and well-being and the association between oral health problems and other health problems.”

The report called for a national partnership to provide opportunities for individuals, communities and the health professions to work together to maintain and improve the nation’s oral health. The following year Sonrisas (Spanish for “smiles”) Community Dental Center opened its doors to offer affordable dental care for low-income San Mateo Coastside residents, the majority of whom are from the agricultural community. The founding board members were Dr. Josefina Enriquez, Carol Young Holt, Bonnie Johnson, Judy Macias, Julia McKeon, Virginia Sedillo Messer, Maureen Perron, Dr. C. Ray Sheppard, and Brian Zamora. Funding for the center comes from state and local sources, and from contributions by individuals.

Public School Dental Screenings

Once every year, all kindergarten through third grade students in the Cabrillo and La Honda Pescadero Unified School Districts receive a dental screening. As students wait for their time with the dental hygienists, they gather with a staff member who talks to them about dental health and good diets. Robbie Bergerson talked with students about the importance of fruits and vegetables in their diet. She said, “It’s OK to have treats occasionally like Gummy Bears and chocolate but you shouldn’t eat candy all the time. A lot of soda pop and cola isn’t good for your teeth either.”

She asked how many of them brushed their teeth twice a day and how many flossed. Bergerson said to a group of fifth graders, “Put a sticker on your mirror to remind yourself if you forget. Soon, if you keep doing it, brushing will become a habit you won’t have to think about any more.” They also heard about how important it is to take care of baby teeth and to use a soft bristled brush. “If you have a really bad cold, it’s a good idea to use a new brush when you get better and remember, don’t ever share a brush with anyone. Sometimes people have a gum disease that can be passed on so you don’t ever want to use someone else’s brush.”

After each screening, there are usually some urgent cases that are discovered, cavities that have not been treated or other dental problems. This information is passed on so the children can be seen as soon as possible. The state now requires screening for all kindergarten children and Sonrisas provides that service, helping the schools with compliance.

Julia McKeon, executive director, said, “I can remember times when we had as many as 17 urgent cases after a screening day. Today (April 25, 2008 at the Hatch School screening) we only had seven. Part of the reason could be that we are now screening Head Start children and we are catching problems earlier. The children are also getting a lot of education on dental health in the Head Start program and are brushing their teeth after lunch every day.”

Other Outreach Services

Sonrisas also visits Coastside Children’s Programs after-school program to conduct screenings. They go to the Coastside Adult Day Health Center to talk to seniors about dental health and also participate in local health fairs. The clinic is also involved with the California Women, Infants and Children program.

A community outreach program for new moms has recently been made available by a grant from The San Francisco Foundation to the San Mateo Medical Center. The program teaches families how to care for their teeth, creating “happier smiles” and better overall health. McKeon said, “It’s critical that they understand that if there is infection in their mouth, it goes straight to the placenta and can harm the fetus.”

McKeon talked about the high school students as another key focus. Low-income youth lose the California Healthy Family insurance on their 19th birthday. In addition to physician services and ordinary preventive care like immunizations and health exams, this insurance also covers preventive teeth cleanings, fillings and diagnostic services at no charge to qualifying families. Sonrisas tracks the high school students to try to get them to the clinic before their insurance runs out.

In Pescadero, Ruth Vargas coordinates a program for out-of-school youth to try to get their dental needs met. This program was funded by a $4,000 grant for migrant education. McKeon said, “She (Vargas) is a great coordinator and very connected in the town. She personally follows up with them and arranges transportation. She lives there and knows them all.”

Sonrisas Center in Half Moon Bay

The Sonrisas Center has the latest equipment and instruments, is staffed by well-trained, friendly professionals and resembles a private practice. The well-outfitted treatment rooms are equipped with the latest equipment and instruments including Cavitrons, panorex, apex locators and inter-oral cameras.

Volunteers are always needed

The dedication of the many volunteers is the backbone of the program. There are approximately 40 volunteers that help out with various aspects of the work of the clinic. For each screening day at schools it takes about 18 volunteers to make the event happen. Volunteers help move the students in and out of the screening room and a volunteer assists each hygienist by notating the results of the exam; this information is then passed on to the Sonrisas office and to schools and parents as needed.

Dentists, hygienists, oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, or any other related professionals are sought for service at the clinic. Even a small commitment of time is welcome and provides a contribution to the quality of someone’s life. Professionals can contribute by accepting referrals from Sonrisas in private practices on a reduced or pro bono basis.

The center needs bilingual volunteers to help with Spanish interpretation when needed and non-dental volunteers to help with outreach programs such as school screening and community events. For anyone looking for a way to give back to the community, Sonrisas is a place to consider volunteering.

Board members are also needed. Anyone interested in serving as a board member or in other volunteer capacities should contact Julia McKeon.

Sonrisas Web Site

“Visit the Dentist with Marty” is an interactive story for children about a trip to the dentist. The site has other fun games for kids and interactive information about the tooth and after school treats. Visit the Web site at www.sonrisasdental.org to find out more about volunteering, donating, and current education programs. Executive Director Julia McKeon can be reached at 650-726-2144.