Patient Care
A MINDFUL Approach to Compassionate Community Care
***This story appears in the UCLA School of Dentistry's Spring 2024 Magazine***
By Nancy Sokoler Steiner
Building a Smile, and So Much More
***This story appears in the UCLA School of Dentistry's Spring 2024 Magazine***
By Nancy Sokoler Steiner
$1.67 million Delta Dental Community Care Foundation gift empowers new School of Dentistry initiative
The UCLA School of Dentistry will increase access to comprehensive oral health care among geriatric and special needs populations through a new program made possible by the support of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation’s largest-ever single gift to a dental school. The Community Care Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California.
Small Change Creates a Big Impact
It’s not uncommon for patients with special needs, complex medical conditions, and physical or cognitive differences, to encounter challenges when seeking dental care. The Special Patient Care (SPC) clinic at the UCLA School of Dentistry – and its specialists trained in treating this vulnerable population – serve as a major safety net for special needs patients and their caretakers. For many of these patients, UCLA is the only option they have and those who live far away are willing to drive hundreds of miles to be seen.
Patient Assurance for COVID-19
Under the guidance of dental associations, local and state public health offices, and the UCLA campus, our clinics are open to provide dental treatment during the ongoing pandemic.
For patients of record who need to make an appointment, please contact your assigned dental student or Group Practice Administrator, listed on our General Clinic page.
For those interested in becoming a patient, please call:
What goes well with tacos? Toothbrushes!
From cleanings to root canals to extractions in decidedly non-dental office environments, a core part of UCLA dental students’ education includes critical oral health care delivery to people in underserved communities.
Staff Profile: Becky Lopez-Piraino
36 YEARS OF WORKING WITH CHILDREN
Staff Profile: Francesa Moore
“IT’S MY CO-WORKERS WHO MAKE IT EASY to come to work every day. We’re a team. We put our heads down and get things done,” said Francesa Moore. Fran will celebrate her 30-year work anniversary in January 2020. When asked about retirement, she laughed and said, “I’m not quite ready yet.”
Lighting the Way
1967 - A health survey shows that Venice Beach residents need dental care more than any other service. Advocates approach the UCLA School of Dentistry with a proposal to open a community clinic.
1968 - Approvals from Chancellor Charles Young and dental school dean, Dr. Raider Soggnaes, move the clinic project forward. A grant for $38,000 is secured for start-up costs.
Patient Advisory Notice For COVID-19
Patient Advisory Notice
For the past few months, we have continued to manage dental emergencies. Now, under the guidance of dental associations, local and state public health offices, and the UCLA campus, we can reopen our clinics to provide more dental treatment. We are doing a phased reopening, starting with our specialty clinics and faculty practices followed by our dental student general clinic.