The Program

The Valley of the Moon Children’s Center (VMCC) Dental Program was established in 2011 to serve the oral health needs of children entering emergency foster care in Sonoma County.  Every year the VMCC provides short-term, emergency care for over 500 children that are not able to live with their caregivers due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Medical services are provided on-site through a partnership with Sonoma County’s Public Health Division with all children medically screened at admission. Since July of 2011, we have also been able to provide dental care on-site through our Dental Program using the services of a Dental Director (Dr. Jack Sherman, DDS) and volunteer dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants.  When a child is admitted to VMCC they are referred to the Dental Program for an initial dental evaluation. Since opening in July 2011 the VMCC Dental Program has provided care to over 120 children.

Children in foster care have high incidences of chronic dental issues. The American Academy of Pediatricians estimates that about 35% enter foster care with high prevalence of undiagnosed or under-treated acute and chronic dental or oral health conditions.  The VMCC Dental Program allows us to identify dental needs of youth entering emergency foster care and ensure that these needs are addressed in a timely manner.  The services provided through the VMCC Dental Program include, but are not limited too: dental evaluations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, extractions, addressing dental emergencies, and developing community resources to address higher level dental needs.   In addition, the program provides an opportunity for educating children about the importance of their oral health and the role they can play in staying healthy with daily brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet. 

 The Goals

Goal 1:Increase the number of foster youth who receive dental services at least once a year.

Goal 2:Attain a 100% compliance with the state mandate to have all children who come into emergency foster care at VMCC to be screened by a dentist within 30 days.

Goal 3: Ensure that children receiving dental services report that it was a positive experience and that they would be willing to return to a dentist for other appointments.

Thanks to our Funders and Volunteers!

The VMCC Dental Program has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the following funding sources:  Bothin Foundation, Sonoma Paradiso Foundation, Verizon Foundation, Santa Rosa Rotary Foundation, Oakmont Rotary Club, Speedway Children’s Charity, and individual donors who have contributed to the dental program through the year-end letter.

We would also like to thank our dedicated team of volunteer dentists, hygienists and other volunteers who have been generous with their time and support. 

Contact Information

For more information please contact Meg Easter-Dawson at 707-565-8383 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).