Dental Program

Valley of the Moon Children's Center Dental Program

Funder: Valley of the Moon Children's Foundation (VMCF)

Geographic Scope: Sonoma County, California

Program Background: Established in 2011 to serve the oral health needs of children entering emergency foster care in Sonoma County. Since opening in July 2011, the program has provided care to over 1,000 children.

Problem Addressed: According to studies, 35% of children entering foster care have undiagnosed or under-treated acute and chronic dental or oral health conditions.

Eligibility: Children entering emergency foster care at Valley of the Moon Children's Center (VMCC) in Sonoma County

Services Provided

• Initial dental evaluation and cleaning (within ten days of admission)
• Follow-up care or referrals to outside providers
• Dental emergencies (extractions)
• Developing community resources to address higher level dental needs
• Dental evaluations
• Cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Sealants
• Fillings

Additional Services

The program also provides education to children about the importance of oral health and the role they can play in staying healthy through:

Daily brushing

Flossing

Eating a healthy diet

Note: This is a direct service program rather than a grant opportunity. Children are automatically referred when they enter VMCC.