Direct Programs for the Underserved

Dental disease is the number one health problem among children in the United States with tooth pain being a major reason for school absenteeism; that understandably paying for housing and food on time takes priority over oral health care for the state’s many working families…and most institutions continue to struggle to provide adequate oral health care for the elderly and disabled.

The CDA Foundation has implemented several programs and opportunities which address these harsh realities.

CDA CaresCDA Cares – 2–day free dental clinic
The 2-day dental clinics provide free dental care to Californians in need.  Dental professionals and community volunteers work together to provide cleanings, fillings, extractions, oral health education and assistance in finding a dental home.

Pediatric Oral Health Access Program (POHAP)
POHAP provides general dentists with the increased skill and comfort level need to treat infants, young children as well as children with special health care needs.

Geriatric Oral Health Access Program (GOHAP)
GOHAP has been designed to develop and test an innovative model of oral health care, quantify the effects of a prescribed oral health regimen within a long-term care institution and compile data to further advocate on behalf of seniors for better access to oral health care.

Donated Dental Services (DDS) Program
This program provides free dental care for seniors in need. If you are 60 years or older, have no insurance or financial means to receive dental care, you may qualify for the program.

First Smiles
The CDA Foundation’s First Smiles project, funded by First 5 California was launched in 2004 as a four-year endeavor to educate dental and medical professionals and early childhood educators about the latest science, caries risk assessment, prevention and management to better address the “silent epidemic” of early childhood caries in California’s children.

Fluoridation
Using funds provided by the California Endowment, the CDA Foundation in partnership with the CDA; California Department of Health Services, the Dental Health Foundation and the California Fluoridation Task Force, is in the process of developing a statewide fluoridation program with the goal of 75% of the population to be receiving fluoridated water by the year 2010.

The CDA Foundation’s Direct Programs for the Underserved provides access to oral health care to the state’s most vulnerable populations.