 The CDA Cares event held at the Solano County Fairgrounds March 8-9 saw nearly 1,500 residents from Solano County and the surrounding region arrive over the course of two days to receive an estimated $1.3 million in dental care. CDA Cares is the flagship program of the California Dental Association Foundation and is highlighted by more than 1,000 volunteers, many of them dentists and hygienists from across the state who donate their time and expertise to provide services such as fillings, extractions, cleanings, partial and full dentures and more at no cost to the patient. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Davis, Solano County Public Communications).
CDA Cares event delivers smiles for those in need
Nearly 1,500 Californians, many of them Solano County residents, descended upon the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo this month to receive life-changing dental care all at no cost to them.
The occasion was CDA Cares Solano, the flagship program of the California Dental Association Foundation which provides services such as fillings, extractions, partial and full dentures as well as oral health education and help establishing a dental home for follow up care. Incredibly, this work is all performed by volunteer dentists and hygienists who travel from across the state to take part in the two-day clinic.
Solano County was fortunate to have been chosen for a second time to receive this honor from the California Dental Association Foundation. The first CDA Cares event held in Solano County came in 2014 thanks to the efforts of former District 2 Supervisor Linda Seifert.
This year, CDA Cares volunteers provided nearly $1.3 million in dental services to 1,491 people, according to the organization. These services ranged from fillings, cleanings, extractions and more. Helping someone regain their smile or gain some reprieve from living in constant pain makes a huge impact on the lives of those who seek out CDA Cares events. Each event leaves patients in better health and provides volunteers with countless heartwarming memories from folks who are truly grateful for the care they receive.
One of the roughly 1,200 volunteers on site was Dr. James Sanderson, DDS, of Dixon, who spent countless hours before and during the event making sure that volunteers and any needed supplies were on order for the event. I also had the privilege of delivering breakfast to volunteers both days thanks to a donation of 600 McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches (300 each day), courtesy of Yin McDonald’s and the generosity of C.C. and Regina Yin. Beth Gasang was instrumental in coordinating the effort.
The Board of Supervisors committed $75,000 to the event, recognizing that the program serves the needs of many of our local residents who may not have insurance, especially children. Some of the participants hadn’t seen a dentist in decades. According to the CDA, about 5 million California residents do not have dental insurance, and that includes about 750,000 children. Improving one’s dental health not only restores happiness for patients, but makes a huge impact on the overall health of the individual.
CDA Cares events are ongoing, with the next event being held Sept. 27-28 at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino. For more information, visit the CDA Cares page at https://www.cdafoundation.org/cda-cares.
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Since 2003, Supervisor John M. Vasquez has had the privilege to represent the 4th Supervisorial District covering Northern Solano County. The district includes portions of Vacaville and Dixon. |
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