Local groups join together to make San Diego GKAS special

National City, Calif.鈥擜n estimated $31,240 worth of dental care was delivered here Feb. 2 through a collaboration of area dentists, dental team members, students and community members gathered at the dental hygiene clinic of Southwestern College.

Besides SWC staff and students, other groups on hand included the San Diego County Dental Society, San Diego County Heath and Human Services Agency, San Diego County Department of Education Smiles Program, the San Diego County Dental Hygienists’ Society, University of California San Diego Pre-Dental Program, the San Diego Dental Health Coalition, San Diego Immunization Branch and Mesa College Dental Assisting Program.

The program was organized through Share the Care, the Dental Health Initiative of San Diego, a public/private partnership that works to ensure optimal oral health for all children in San Diego County, especially those who are underserved and have limited resources. SDCDS said it established Share the Care in 1994 in collaboration with the San Diego Dental Health Coalition, an organization of more than 30 agencies, and the Health and Human Services Agency.

Share the Care reported that 316 children were screened, with 166 receiving varnishes and 137 receiving sealants. Eighteen emergencies were identified and 60 children recommended for follow up.

The dental society reports that the success of STC’s ongoing sealant and fluoride varnish clinics/health fairs relies almost completely on the generosity of its volunteers who continuously donate time, materials and facilities.聽