February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

The Assistance League® of Newport-Mesa, a chapter of national Assistance League, has been providing dental care to low-income families in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and surrounding communities since 1952. The Cheri Harris Dental center has been in its current location at 2220 Fairview, Costa Mesa, for almost 30 years. It shares space in the building with the organization’s Thrift Shop, Treasures on Consignment Shop, and its business offices.
2021 was challenging due to the continued impact of Covid-19 but the Dental Center adjusted its operations and was able to remain open to treat its patients. Each year, the Dental Center serves over 600 children and young adults at significantly reduced rates made possible by funding from the sales in the thrift and consignment shops, donations from the community, grants, and fund-raisers. This year, the Assistance League wishes to thank the anonymous donor who gave $20,000 to help patients who have complicated dental issues requiring assistance from specialists. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Julia and George Argyros, longtime friends of the Assistance League, who donated $50,000 toward the purchase of much needed x -ray and scanner equip-ment that will be critical in helping to facilitate treatment plans.

The Dental Center’s professional staff includes two dentists and two orthodontists who take time away from their own local practices to manage the care of the dental and orthodontic patients. The center’s Dental Hygienist, Michele Patton, recently celebrated 40 years with the program. The Assistance League is grateful for her many years dedicated to the program and for the impact she has made, providing excellent care and educating youth about the importance of good dental hygiene. She will be retiring in May but will continue to provide valuable advice to the staff.
This year, over 1,500 dental hygiene kits were distributed through another of the League’s programs, Operation School Bell, that provides clothing, books and other school essentials to students referred by Newport-Mesa Unified School District facilitators. These programs, managed by volunteers, serve to further the League’s mission of transforming lives of children and families with the belief that a student’s self-esteem is improved by bright smiles and new clothes to wear. To find out how to donate to these programs benefiting local families in need, or to donate items to the Thrift shop, or to volunteer, please contact the League offices at (949) 645-6929.

Dental Center Information: Contact alnmdental@gmail.com or (949) 645-2882. Office Supervisor is fluent in Spanish. Call to determine income qualification or program. Services offered include general and orthodontia, as well as emergency services. Med Cal Dental Insurance accepted and reduced rates for patients without insurance. Orthodontic treatments offered at significantly reduced rates.

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