Dental Screenings, Oral Health Education and Referrals

Tooth decay is the most common chronic infectious disease of children and affects a disproportionate number of low-income and minority children.  Fifty percent of tooth decay goes untreated in low-income children.  In the population served by COACH for Kids® - children in the most underserved and impoverished areas of Los Angeles - over 90% have moderate to severe tooth decay.  With early intervention, tooth decay is preventable in virtually all children.   




The COACH “Healthy Smiles” program component is staffed by a team of bilingual (English/Spanish) health professionals.  The team is led by the COACH for Kids® Registered Dental Hygienist and includes two Community Health Assistants.  The goal of the Healthy Smiles team is prevention and early intervention by providing dental screenings, oral health education and referrals to free or low cost dental care.