CDA Foundation

Last month, we partnered with the California Department of Health Care Services, the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Oral Health and the Trinity County Public Health Department to host a dental clinic in Weaverville, California. At the event, the mobile dental practice Smile Dental Services provided dental exams, X-rays, prophies, fluoride varnish, extractions, sealants, fillings and other services to community members. Each patient was placed into a dental home to support their ongoing, comprehensive oral health care needs. Thanks to the collaborative endeavors of our partners, we were able to address the dearth of accessible dental services in remote areas and pave the way for future collaborative clinics and initiatives! Continue reading about the collaborative effort, here: https://lnkd.in/gPMjSv38

The CDA Foundation is proud to announce Gayle Cheatwood, DDS as the recipient of the 2024 Humanitarian Award, celebrating not just his extraordinary achievements but the spirit of dentistry as a force for good in the world. Dr. Cheatwood runs the Dental Vision Mission, a nonprofit organization that helps health care professionals provide care to underserved individuals in developing countries. His work is a reminder that compassion and expertise, when combined, have the power to transcend barriers and change lives. Learn more about his work, here: https://lnkd.in/gKhXAAde Thank you, Dr. Cheatwood for your dedication to improving oral health and quality of life in underserved communities around the globe!

The CDA Foundation’s Wellness Program provides confidential support to CDA members, their staff and their loved ones who are facing substance use disorders and other wellness challenges including anxiety, depression and burnout. The program focuses on safeguarding both your health and your career, ensuring you receive the help you need without fear of reprisal. Learn more about getting confidential support here: https://hubs.ly/Q02X-nWl0

We are pleased to announce Dr. Sylvia Akar is our 2024 Webb Family Grant recipient! Chosen for her commitment to helping marginalized and underserved populations, Dr. Akar has a long history of volunteering and currently serves patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Ventura, CA. Her motivation to serve within her local community and bring oral health to underserved populations embodies the spirit of the Webb Family Grant and illustrates the values and morals instilled in her by her father. Learn more about the Webb Family grant and our 2024 recipient, here: https://lnkd.in/gAe-enpG Thank you, Dr. Akar for your generosity and commitment to volunteerism!

At CDPH, we’re dedicated to promoting health equity and ensuring all Californians have access to oral health services.???? From October 9-12, 2024, the CDPH Office of Oral Health and partners brought vital dental services to the rural community of Weaverville, Trinity County. We made a significant impact on the community through our collaboration with: ?? California Department of Health Care Services ?? ?? Trinity County Public Health Department?? ?? Trinity County Office of Education? ?? Trinity County Board of Supervisors? ?? CDA Foundation? ?? Smile Dental Services Inc (mobile dental provider) Smile Dental Services delivered essential treatment and prophylaxis such as fillings, cleanings, sealants, extractions, and fluoride varnish to 50 children and 14 adults, many of whom were uninsured. The CDPH Office of Oral Health is committed to making dental care accessible for all, striving to provide every Californian with a dental home, regardless of location or insurance status. ?? To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gY9PqfKG.? From left to right: Laura Farneti (Trinity County Public Health, not pictured), Dr. Shakalpi Pendurkar (CDPH/Office of Oral Health), Jill Cox (District 2 Board of Supervisors, Trinity County), Adrianna Alcala-Beshara (Department of Health Care Services), Mary McCune (California Dental Association Foundation), Ric Leutwyler (District 1 Board of Supervisors, Trinity County)

We are pleased to announce Natasha Lee, DDS, an assistant professor and course director of practice management and jurisprudence at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, has received the 2024 Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award! A role model for students to follow in leadership and community service, Dr. Lee reaches beyond the classroom to create partnerships that strengthen dental students’ experience and involve them in the future of dental education. Read more about Dr. Lee's exceptional leadership, innovation and philanthropic service, here: https://lnkd.in/guyCqj8A

Do you need support educating patients and the public about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines? Check out our Vaccine Promotion: Resources for Dental Teams to access displayable flyers to support vaccination, talking points to help you discuss vaccine hesitancy, safety and effectiveness with patients, social media posts and sample scripts you can use to promote in-office vaccination. https://hubs.ly/Q02VTgz70

Do you want to create a thriving, supportive environment for your dental team? Learn how to increase employee satisfaction and recognize early signs of burnout at our free webinar, Leadership and Wellness: Build a Dental Team That Loves Showing Up! We'll share how to create a work culture that promotes trust, collaboration, and a positive work environment. Sign in to register to join the webinar on Wed. Oct. 30 from 6 – 7 p. m. https://lnkd.in/gHe9ysqR

For #WorldMentalHealthDay, we are shining a light on our Wellness Program, available to support dental professionals who are battling physical and/or mental ailments, including substance use disorder, anxiety, depression and burnout. Find upcoming trainings, wellness resources and more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02S-YFH0

Meet Gabriela Garces, a member of our board of directors and zone general manager at Henry Schein Dental – an industry partner that supports the Foundation’s efforts to provide care to underserved communities. Read about her involvement with the CDA Foundation and how she enthusiastically approaches supporting dental professionals and improving the oral and overall health of Californians. https://hubs.ly/Q02RS-qy0