Dental Clinic

Humankindness Begins with a Smile  
A concerned father called the children’s dental clinic (run by a team of partners providing community oral health programs in southeast Phoenix) one morning, stating that his young son was in pain. Dad said the family had recently moved from Africa and were not eligible for health insurance. Although the clinic schedule was full, the experienced staff made sure to secure an appointment. At the time of his arrival, the young boy was sitting on his father’s lap in the waiting room, seemingly asleep. As he was brought into the clinic, he did not smile nor talk. Both dad and son were nervous as the boy got settled in the chair. The hygienist was able to do some very basic oral hygiene and take x-rays. It was clear that additional dental work was needed, but it was out of the scope of the preventive clinic. 

Thanks to established partnerships, the boy was referred for restorative dental care provided by our partner, Dr. Snyder, who addressed the dental needs with composite fillings and stainless steel crowns.  Now that his pain was alleviated, the boy came back to the preventive clinic for a thorough cleaning and additional oral health hygiene education.  He was happy and smiling!  

Dad expressed his thanks and appreciation for all the care provided by Dignity Health and the Chandler Children’s Dental Clinic in partnership with the Chandler Unified School District and St. Vincent de Paul. He paid close attention to the hygienists and clinic staff as they taught him what to do at home to keep his child in good oral health, stating he would do all he could to make sure his son never experienced this kind of tooth decay again. 

This is but one story of humankindness.  The clinic has four operatories and serves approximately 800 school-aged children every year. The clinic’s oral health educator provides 5500 community education encounters each year at schools and health fairs. They also disseminate best practice oral health information to caregivers and professionals.  The Dignity Health Foundation – East Valley proudly supports the clinic and the Community Oral Health Programs through philanthropic and grant support efforts. Most notable grant partners include:  First Things First, Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, National Children’sOral Health Foundation, City of Chandler, The Board of Visitors, and the Women’s Philanthropic Society (called Power of the Purse). 

 

Women’s Philanthropic Society chose the  Children's Dental Clinic as their 2015 project.  The Women’s Philanthropic Society is called the Power of the Purse and it was formed to raise awareness and garner support of important health issues that are central to both Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers and the health and well-being of women and families in the Southeast Valley. They began their mission in 2015 by adding new members, holding a fundraising soriee and debuting  two spectacular fundraisers - a High Tea at the Biltmore and shopping for Mother's Day at Kendra Scott.  They continue their service to the community by donating time to projects such as Matthew's Crossing, Hospice of the Valley, and the Feed My Starving Children.   

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