The Health Trust opens innovative Children's Dental Center in East San Jose

Thousands of kids without dentists now have access to care

• Tooth decay is the single most common health issue in young children
• 51% of children have tooth decay by age 9
• 35,000 kids in Silicon Valley classrooms have pain or swelling from tooth decay

May 28, 2008 -- The first health problem most children experience is tooth decay.  But a trip to a dentist to take away pain or swelling is not easy for thousands of youngsters in Santa Clara County and they go without dental care.

That is why the new Children’s Dental Center in East San Jose is predicted to have significant, positive impact on the oral health of underserved youngsters in Silicon Valley.  For the first time, local children will have access to a high quality, high capacity dental center designed to serve kids, and only kids, no matter what type of insurance they have – and even if they have no insurance coverage at all.

The Children’s Dental Center is located in East San Jose’s Tropicana Shopping Center, 1153 S. Story Road at King, the centerpoint of an area populated by families who struggle to get their children dental care.  It will open for business on Monday, June 16, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. followed by a community celebration until 2 p.m.

It is a joint project of The Health Trust, which over the past five years has invested $5 million in oral health services for local youth, and the Children’s Dental Group (CDG), the largest provider of pediatric dentistry in the state.

The 6,000-square-foot facility is unlike any other dentist’s office in Northern California.  With 14 chairs, the latest technology, and a peak efficiency business model finetuned by CDG at its six offices in the Los Angeles region, the Children’s Dental Center will be able to provide as many as 15,000 dental appointments a year for Silicon Valley children.

But size is not its most distinctive feature.  The Children’s Dental Center has a fun, playful look and the videos games, TV screens and colorful graphics that entertain children and their families through every step of the dental appointment.

“It’s an innovative approach to pediatric dentistry that makes the experience easier and less stressful for both the young patients and their parents,” said Frederick J. Ferrer, Chief Executive Office of The Health Trust. 

“The Center is set up to be flexible so that if a cavity is discovered, for example, the family is encouraged to stay and have it treated right then, rather than setting up another appointment.  For parents who might be taking time off of work or making a long bus ride to get here, it’s a huge benefit to have their child get as much treatment as clinically possible in one visit,” he said.

Denti-Cal, Healthy Kids and Healthy Families insurance programs will be accepted at the Children’s Dental Center along with most private insurance plans.  Fees for uninsured children will be on a sliding scale, and for families who have no insurance and no way of paying even modest fees, The Health Trust created a fund for oral health scholarships to cover the costs.

“No child in pain will ever be turned away from the Children’s Dental Center,” said Dr. Scott Jacks, the dentist who founded CDG.   “We will immediately provide the emergency treatment needed and then work with the families later to explore insurance enrollment and payment options.”

The Children’s Dental Center will open with four dentists, bilingual staff, and a full-time outreach counselor available for oral health presentations at schools and community groups.  Services include examination of teeth and gums, X-rays to reveal decay, cleaning, sealants, topical fluoride, fillings, extractions and treatment of infections.  Children who need oral surgery, root canals or orthodontics will be referred to specialists in those areas. 

“The Children’s Dental Group is excited about operating Children’s Dental Center in partnership with The Health Trust and is looking forward to serving the San Jose community and continuing its track record of excellence,” said Dr. Jacks.

“The new Children’s Dental Center will provide valuable services for thousands of underserved San Jose children in a location that is convenient and easy to access,” said Mayor Chuck Reed. “I want to thank The Health Trust for expanding critical services to residents in the East San Jose community.”

Appointments for the Children’s Dental Center can be made by calling 408-240-0250.

About The Health Trust

The Health Trust is a nonprofit foundation that provides grants, services and advocacy to support its vision of Silicon Valley as the healthiest region in America.  In January, The Health Trust announced a $30 million investment in three initiatives – Healthy Living, Healthy Aging, and Healthy Communities.  For more information, visit www.healthtrust.org.

About Children’s Dental Group

Children’s Dental Group has provided comprehensive dental care to children in underserved communities since 1980.  CDG currently operates seven locations in the greater Los Angeles and Orange County area and has grown to become the largest provider of pediatric dental services in California. For more information about CDG, visit www.childrensdentalgroup.com.

Media Contacts

Frederick J. Ferrer, The Health Trust, 408-559-5580

Brent Edwards, Children’s Dental Group, 818-383-1556