Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Pediatric Dental Care for San Diego's Underserved Children
Since 1952, we have dedicated ourselves to providing dental services and education to underserved children in San Diego. Our Children's Dental Health Center, School-Based Program, and orthodontic initiatives serve thousands annually, combining high-quality care with economic efficiency. By owning our facility, we direct over 90% of expenditures toward program services, achieving 95% efficiency in 2019. Our school-based program, established in 1996, delivers on-site exams, cleanings, and sealants to low-income schools, while our orthodontic program creates life-changing smiles.With a legacy spanning 68 years, we remain San Diego County's preeminent program for pediatric dental care, supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners. Every donation directly funds dental care, ensuring every child receives the healthy smile they deserve through our proven, transparent approach.
Services
Dental Center
School-Based Program
Orthodontic Program
Community Outreach
Dental Education
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We have 68 years of experience providing dental care to San Diego's underserved children
- We direct 90-95% of expenditures toward program services annually
- Our school-based program treats over 3,000 children with preventive dental care yearly
- Our orthodontic program creates life-changing smiles for children in need
- We maintain a 95% program efficiency rating through facility ownership and operations
What people say
Life-changing smiles
Dedicated staff
Efficient operations
Essential community service
Proven impact
Services
Dental Center
Our San Diego-based dental center provides comprehensive care to underserved children, treating over 3,000 patients annually. The facility offers preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services through experienced professionals. Ownership of the building enables maximum resource allocation to direct patient care while maintaining high-quality standards.
School-Based Program
This initiative delivers on-site dental care to low-income schools, including exams, cleanings, and sealants for thousands of children yearly. The program addresses access barriers by bringing services directly to underserved communities. Temporary suspension during the pandemic highlights its importance in preventive dental care delivery.
Orthodontic Program
Specialized orthodontic treatment creates life-changing smiles for children who would otherwise lack access. Under Dr. David Gilmore's direction, the program provides comprehensive orthodontic care with professional expertise. This service addresses both functional and aesthetic dental needs through structured treatment plans.
Community Outreach
We conduct dental education initiatives to improve oral health awareness among children and families. Outreach includes preventive care workshops, hygiene instruction, and community partnerships. These efforts complement clinical services by promoting long-term dental health practices.
Donation Program
Flexible donation options enable community support for underserved children's dental care. Contributions directly fund treatment programs with transparent financial management. The program includes memorial and tribute giving options while maintaining donor recognition protocols.
People
Robert Chakarian
President
President with deep commitment to pediatric dental care, leading strategic direction and community engagement efforts for the organization's 68-year mission.
Beverly Hom
Program Director
Director of the school-based program, overseeing annual delivery of 3,000+ dental exams and 4,000 sealants to low-income schoolchildren in San Diego.
Dr. David Gilmore
Director of Orthodontics
Orthodontic specialist directing treatment programs that create life-changing smiles for underserved children through comprehensive braces services.
Mariluci Byrnes
Director of Dentistry
Clinical leader managing dental operations at the San Diego center, ensuring high-quality care delivery to thousands of children annually.
Dr. David Gilmore
Orthodontic Director
Dental professional specializing in orthodontic treatment programs that provide specialized care access to underserved pediatric patients.
Questions
What is Children's Dental Health Association's primary mission?
We provide essential dental care to underserved San Diego children through clinical services, school programs, and orthodontic treatment since 1952.
How does the organization maintain service quality?
By owning our facility and directing 90-95% of expenditures to program services while employing experienced dental professionals.
What happens to donated funds?
Every donation directly supports dental care programs, with 95% efficiency achieved in 2019 through transparent financial management.
How can community members help?
Through financial contributions, memorial/tribute giving, or participating in our annual Day at the Races fundraising event.
Are services available during school closures?
Our school-based program temporarily paused during the pandemic but continues operating through the main dental center facility.
Reviews (1)
Monicayvette
Oct 15, 2021
Report
I have been coming to this location for years and I've never had such rude and horrible attitude of service before. Front desk women completely disrespected us and gave us a nasty attitude named bertha I believe her name was. I'm not sure if she doesn't like her job or if she's just a rude person. But I would love to speak to a manager when available if needed to ask more questions about our experience.
And I will not refer friends and family nor will I be returning. I highly suggest hiring a caring and friendly person on the front desk and who answers the phone that doesn't have a attitude problem.
And I will not refer friends and family nor will I be returning. I highly suggest hiring a caring and friendly person on the front desk and who answers the phone that doesn't have a attitude problem.
