A visit to the dentist is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay, and can forestall other serious health problems down the line. But for many South Coast residents, dental care is not easily accessible. No dental office exists anywhere near Pescadero, and many low-income residents lack both transportation to a dentist and the means to pay. In April, however, the dentist came to them. Puente teamed up with Sonrisas Community Dental Center of Half Moon Bay to conduct free dental screenings for 25 farm and nursery workers in Pescadero. The screenings took place in the field – literally. One of the screenings occurred in a Brussels sprouts field where workers took a work break and sat on a folding chair while a dental hygienist peered into their mouths, snapped digital photos, and asked them some questions about their history of dental work. The field screenings were just the first step in the pilot program, which aims to bring affordable dental care to as many people as possible on the South Coast. Sonrisas made follow-up appointments for the adults to come in for dental work, and as of May 23 out of 25 had already visited Sonrisas for their follow-ups. In six months, once they complete their treatment plan, Sonrisas will send a hygienist back down the coast … Continue reading Puente and Sonrisas bring dentistry to the fields