This is the story of 6-year-old Natalia.* Natalia received care at Sonrisas after a Sonrisas school screening which identified urgent dental needs. Natalia had several teeth that were decayed to the gumline. Natalia and her parents came to the US from Guatemala six years prior, they could not see dentists in Guatemala because it was too expensive. Even though Sonrisas is at full capacity following the Pandemic, pediatric dentists at our San Mateo clinic treated Natalia the next day following an appointment cancellation. After her cavities were filled, Sonrisas staff worked with Natalia and her family to develop a home hygiene routine, including regular brushing and flossing. Sonrisas is now a dental home to Natalia’s two younger brothers as well.
*Names have been changed to protect patient Privacy