FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 20, 1997
CONTACT:
Chris Martin
Jann Ingmire
DC Convention Center
202/371-4509
Chicago Office
312/440-2806
WASHINGTON -- For the past 10 years in central California, the Su Salud Health Education Fair has brought dentists, physicians, nurses and nutritionists to the people around the Central Valley of California. The number-one health problem among the thousands who have come for the free screenings has been dental disease, according to Guillermo Vicuna, D.D.S. Dr. Vicuna will talk about "Community Dentistry: Reaching Beyond the Confines of the Office" at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 138th Annual Session in Washington, D.C., on Monday, October 20. Dr. Vicuna will share his stories of success in providing community dentistry without government or taxpayer dollars to reach those who cannot afford to go to the dentist.
"We in dentistry talk about the latest gadgets -- the lasers, the tooth whitening, the implants," Dr. Vicuna comments. "What we also need to look at is the other America, the poor America whose most basic dental health care needs are unmet." Dr. Vicuna says the volunteer effort in Stockton will shift from a once-a-year health fair to a year-round disease prevention center.
"The once-a-year health fair was phenomenal, and we reached a lot of people, providing among other things, dental care, free immunizations and, most importantly, education," Dr. Vicuna says. "But, I always wondered what happened the day after the health fair. For some of these people, they would have to wait another year before they could get medical treatment or advice. That is just unacceptable. The only defense that the uninsured working poor have is not to get sick." Dr. Vicuna says the new disease prevention center will offer health care access for the unemployed, the homeless, the uninsured and the working poor.
"These are the people who need disease prevention education, as well as access to free dental care and free health care. They need to be educated because they don't understand what periodontal (gum) disease is or the effect of diet on tooth decay." Community outreach programs are also planned to educate people on the importance of fluoride, the benefits of dental sealants, the importance of preventing early childhood tooth decay and the dangers of baby bottle tooth decay. While dental disease may be the most prevalent problem among the people seen at the Fair, the health care personnel will also provide tests for glaucoma, high blood pressure, pap smears, mammography, diabetes, hearing, foot care, pre-natal care and help for the elderly. "We hope by educating other dentists at the ADA's meeting, that other communities will be able to follow our example and provide access to dental care for those in need," Dr. Vicuna adds.
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