​According to the 2016 California Health Interview Survey, more than 160,000 Los Angeles County children ages 2 to 11 have never seen a dentist, and 72,000 more have not seen one for 1 to 5 years. Research reports that lack of regular oral health care can lead to dental problems and health problems that affect school attendance and daily life.

At our June 21 Health Policy Seminar Dr. Jim Crall, Center faculty associate and chair of Public Health and Community Dentistry at the UCLA School of Dentistry, will discuss new UCLA project he leads, More LA Smiles. The project aims to improve oral health for half-a-million low-income Los Angeles County children ages 0 to 20. Clinicians in dental, medical and community-based settings will be trained to deliver oral health care, develop new ways to ensure early intervention and care coordination, and increase awareness of the importance of children’s oral health. The project is part of the Dental Transformation Initiative in Los Angeles County and is supported by the Department of Health Care Services.