Abigail Salinas shows off her beautiful smile at the Goleta Neighborhood Dental Clinic. Courtesy photo
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics celebrates Children’s Dental Health on Saturday, March 4, 2017 by giving special recognition to children who are cavity free.
Over one-hundred cavity free children ages 3 to 12, who are patients at one of the two Neighborhood Clinics dental clinics, will gather, along with family members, at the Assistance League of Santa Barbara to be rewarded for this important accomplishment.
“The Cavity Free Club and the annual celebration were established in 2012 to celebrate the success of the children and their parents in achieving good oral health. Over 90% of our patients come into our clinics with oral issues. We can treat the cavities and other problems; however, even more importantly, we educate children and adults in proper oral health care so that the problems they come to us with will not return,” said the clinics Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Domenic Caluori.
Dental Health Outreach Coordinator, Yolanda Padilla, adds that, “Throughout the year pictures are taken of children who have no cavities or who were able to remain cavity free after being treated. The pictures are posted on the cavity free honor roll board, in the reception area of each of our two dental clinics.”
At the Cavity Free Club event each cavity free child in attendance will be presented with a certificate of achievement and congratulations for having excellent oral home care; and will be able to select one surprise gift, and participate in a raffle to win donated gift certificates for fun items or activities in Santa Barbara. Refreshments are also being donated. A few of the event sponsors include: Taqueria El Buen Gusto; Tader Joe’s; Los Tarascos Bakery and Deli; Wallace Cleaning Company; and La Panaderia Veronica Bakery.
The nonprofit all volunteer Assistance League of Santa Barbara is donating the use of their popular thrift shop located at 1259 Veronica Springs Road for the exciting Cavity Free celebration. In addition to providing the space for the event, the Assistance League partners with the dental clinics in educating the children and their parents on proper oral home care and the importance of a healthy diet. The regular educational sessions and demonstrations take place at the clinics.
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics has over 20,000 patients that are cared for at four medical and two dental clinics located throughout south Santa Barbara County.
The mission of the nonprofit Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics is to provide high quality, comprehensive, affordable healthcare to all people, regardless of their ability to pay, in an environment that fosters respect, compassion and dignity.
For additional information go to www.sbclinics.org.