Dear Friends,
You may have heard my predecessor Dr. Blake say, “We help the children that others can’t or won’t.”
I share that sentiment often, because it is one of the most heartbreaking truths about what we do – especially since more than 90% of our families are on Medi-Cal and nearly 40% of our young patients have a disability or medical complexity, like autism or asthma.
Families are constantly referred to us for our Multi-Specialty and Early Intervention programs, whether it’s by a dentist who doesn’t serve the Medi-Cal population or a clinic that doesn’t specialize in helping patients with such complex needs. Sam was one of these patients.
A 5-year-old with Level 3 (severe) autism, Sam was referred to us by another dental office, because they were unable to support his complex needs given the severity of his autism. After examining him, we determined that he would need specialty treatment under IV sedation, because of his behavioral challenges and his extensive treatment needs.
Once it was time for treatment, Sam and his parents got settled in one of our pre-op rooms. During the procedure, he received 2 dental composites to restore tooth structure, 4 extractions due to severe decay, and 10 stainless steel crowns to preserve and strengthen affected teeth. His family also received oral health and hygiene guidance tailored specifically for patients with disabilities, and we continued to provide them with support, so they could try to avoid Sam needing such extensive treatment in the future.
Procedures in our clinic with medical and dental anesthesiologists.
The sad reality is that this need for extensive treatment is much more common than not, because tooth decay remains one of the most prevalent diseases among children, and there are a number of factors that keep children from getting the care they need. Most of our families are already facing more than one of these barriers, and when you add a disability or medical complexity on top of that, the options are even less.
We are proud to be a beacon of hope for these families – providing both treatment and oral health education – but being one of very few options also comes with challenges. Currently, the average wait time for treatment under IV sedation with our dental anesthesiologists is 3 months. For our medical anesthesiologists, the wait is 6-8 months. However, for patients with more complex needs who require treatment in the operating rooms at Miller Children’s Hospital, the wait is 18 months.
As you may recall, we recently celebrated our first year partnering with DreamSafe Anesthesia and their medical anesthesiologists. This partnership began as a way to lessen that wait time, since it gave us more flexibility to treat patients with certain medical complexities in our clinic. While we’re thrilled at how this has allowed us to help more families, the need continues, and so do the challenges.
Procedures in our clinic with medical and dental anesthesiologists.
We are still in limbo as we await the final word on the proposed cuts to Medi-Cal Dental* in the final State budget. These cuts are devastating, and they would have an even greater impact on families being able to get the care they need in the future.
As it is, we only receive about 55% of the true costs of our services through insurance reimbursements, and we’ve already seen a decline in Medi-Cal reimbursements. Luckily, we are able to make up the difference in part thanks to people like you. That’s why we need your support!
Will you help us continue to provide care to the families who need us most in honor of Oral Health Month?
You can give us the confidence we need now – as we head into a new fiscal year – when you donate by July 15:
By mail with this printable form.
Through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) or a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) – see details below.
OR you can give us confidence throughout the year when you join the 20 to 32 Monthly Giving Circle!
A monthly donation of any size makes a meaningful difference for us and the families we serve, while allowing you to make a larger gift over time.
For example, when you give $25 each month, your generosity grows into a $300 annual investment that supports growing smiles – from first teeth to lifelong health!
It’s easy to set up your monthly donation online. Simply click here, select the monthly donation amount and check the box that says, “Make this a recurring gift.” (If you’d prefer to have us set it up for you, please call Liz Reinhardt, Director of Advancement, at (562) 933-0602.)
When you do, you’re also helping us reach our goal of 20 new members of the 20 to 32 Monthly Giving Circle before July 15!
Thank you for being part of our community. Your generosity allows us to continue creating healthier, more confident smiles for the children who need us most!
Mackenzie Kate Martin, DDS, MPH
Executive Director / Dental Director
p.s. We recently attended a local event featuring Geoff Green, CEO of CalNonprofits, and he shared a quote that reminded us of what Dr. Blake likes to say: “Nonprofits do what the for-profit sector won’t, and the public sector can’t.” Community support makes this possible. Please join us in helping the children that others can’t or won’t!
For Donor-Advised Funds or Qualified Charitable Distributions, please direct your contributions to:
Dr. Mackenzie Martin, Executive Director/Dental Director
Children’s Dental Health Clinic | 455 E Columbia St, Suite 32 | Long Beach, CA 90806
Federal Tax ID Number/EIN: 95-2111124 | Phone Number: (562) 933-0602