The California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) is mobilizing its members to provide free dental care to thousands of the Los Angeles area's indigent, uninsured, and underserved at one of the city's largest public health clinics.
The eight-day medical and dental healthcare event -- under the auspices of a program known as Remote Access Medical -- will be open to the public beginning April 27 through May 3 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Participating dental hygienists will do teeth cleanings and conduct a range of public health services, including oral screening for cancer, malnutrition, diabetes, and other diseases.
"This health clinic is a prime example of why our organization has fought so aggressively for the right to expand access to oral healthcare," said CDHA President Daphne Von Essen in a press release. "It breaks your heart to see how so many people are falling through the cracks because they don't have insurance or the means to care for their health. Our participation in this event is immensely gratifying because we are able to reach those who need our care the most."
In addition to providing the dental hygiene services, CDHA members are actively participating with doctors, dentists, nonprofit clinics, and dental suppliers to make the clinic a reality.
"We have been actively organizing the dental hygiene services, recruiting hygienists, obtaining donated supplies and instruments, and coordinating dental hygiene schools participation," said Laurel Bleak, president of the Los Angeles Dental Hygienists' Society.
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