Valley of the Moon Children’s Center Dental Program
According to studies, 35% of children entering foster care have undiagnosed or under treated acute and chronic dental or oral health conditions. The Valley of the Moon Children’s Center (VMCC) Dental Program was established in 2011 to serve the oral health needs of children entering emergency foster care in Sonoma County. When a child enters VMCC, they are referred to the Dental Program for an initial dental evaluation and cleaning within ten days of admission. The children are then given follow up care or sent to outside providers for various services. Since opening in July 2011, the VMCC Dental Program has provided care to over 1,000 children.
The services provided through the VMCC Dental Program include, but are not limited too:
extractions
addressing dental emergencies
developing community resources to address higher level dental needs
dental evaluations
cleanings
fluoride treatments
sealants, fillings
35% of children enter foster care with a high prevalence of undiagnosed or under-treated acute and chronic dental or oral health conditions
In addition, the program provides an opportunity for educating children about the importance of their oral health and the role they can play in staying healthy with daily brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet.