Victor and Karla, siblings from Lake County, were referred by the Healthy Start Program. Because of extensive tooth decay, they both needed dental surgery under general anesthesia. Their mother, Petra Castillo, called PDI case manager Wendy Lopez saying that she would not be able to bring her kids to the surgery center because the family doesn't own a car and has no family closer to them that might be able to bring the children on surgery dates. Wendy then contacted the Lake County Healthy Start Program, and was able to arrange transportation for the Castillo children, on two separate occasions. Petra was very grateful to PDI staff and the Lake county Healthy Start program to have made this possible: “PDI made transportation arrangements to take my children and me to the Surgery Center… Thanks to the PDI Staff, that made the process of taking my kids on two separate occasions easier and less stressed." After being treated at the surgery center, Victor and Karla are now enjoying healthier smiles, and are able to chew their food. Wendy Lopez contacted the family a week later after the kids’ surgery, offered the mom a home visit to follow up with the oral health education, and suggested Petra invite some friends and neighbors for an in-home group talk about oral health issues. Victor and Karla's parents happily agreed to open their home to PDI, their friends were happy to learn about oral health and PDI in such a warm atmosphere, and all kids received the green "Goodie bucket." PDI’s “goodie bucket,” a green pail, is full of educational materials on proper oral hygiene practices, coloring pages for kids, a “Sticker Chart” to reward and monitor daily tooth brushing routines, and toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss to inspire children towards better oral hygiene practices. The “goodie bucket” promotes the importance of regularly brushing, flossing, and eating healthier foods, and gives families some basic tools to start on healthier lifestyle changes.

• Commitment to social justice and equality of access to healthcare
• Strong research, analytical, writing and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Reliable and organized
• Creativity and initiative developing ideas and projects
• Reliable transportation (preferred)

This opportunity is sponsored by: The Pediatric Dental Initiative (PDI)

Volunteers will work with the following groups

Children (5-12) Low-income / Poverty Disabled / Ill Minorities Infants / Preschoolers (0-4)

We need volunteers who are free at these times

Occasional

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Adults (26-54) Small Group (2-10) Adults (55+) Unpaid Interns Families Young Adults (18-25) Individual

This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests

Children & Youth Nonprofit Organization Health

We are looking for volunteers with the following skills

Advocacy Public Speaking Grant Development Writing / Editing

Upcoming Dates:

Date Time # volunteers requested   Sep 10, 2008 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM 4

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Contact Person:
Lindsay Doyle, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

View all agency contacts

Address:

1360 19th Hole Drive, Suite 205 Windsor, CA 95492 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the Shiloh exit off Hwy 101, and head west. Turn right on 19th Hole Drive. The PDI surgery center, also knows as the Redwood Empire Surgery Center (RESC) is the first building on your left. PDI's administrative offices are located in the second building to the left, on the second floor.

Web Site: http://www.pedidental.org