Julia McKeon created Sonrisas Dental Center out of the need for oral healthcare in southern San Mateo County. From Montera to Pescadero, there are upwards of 7,000 people without access to dental care. Julie knew most of the community consists of nursery, field, or hotel workers whose only option for oral healthcare was a day's worth of travel and missing work, so she created an affordable clinic for oral healthcare and education. In response to her success, the County of San Mateo is providing office space.

As a nonprofit, Sonrisas has had its share of challenges over its 8 year lifespan. Julia has sometimes had a difficult time getting access to specialty care providers. However, through her vast network of Bay Area volunteers, McKeon has been able work with other dentist offices to provide dental care for all ranges of issues and at a low cost to the patient.

Community involvement is paramount to the Sonrisas mission. In addition to attending school and senior center health fairs, and giving pre-natal oral health seminars, the center's promotoras (health educators) travel to bi-lingual parent meetings to educate about the benefits of fluoride (many community members only have access to well water) as well as regular oral hygiene. To date, Sonrisas has served over 4,500 patient and has seen a 23% decrease in urgent care or tooth decay in children.

Take Action:

• Contact Sonrisas for an appointment:

sonrisas@coastside.net
210 San Mateo Rd., Suite 104
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Telephone: (650) 726-2144
Fax: (650) 726-2726

• If you are a dentist, hygienist, oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, or have other skills, volunteer with Sonrisas.
  
• Donate to Sonrisa.

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