501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Preventive Oral Health. Community-Based. Evidence-Driven.
San Diego County-based nonprofit advancing population oral health through prevention-first, mobile dental hygiene programs designed for underserved communities.
The Public Health Case
Oral Health Is Public Health
Oral disease disproportionately impacts low-income communities, children, unhoused populations, and the elderly. Poor oral health is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
#1
Most common chronic disease of childhood is dental caries
Source: CDC
52%
of children ages 6-8 have had a cavity in their primary teeth
Source: CDC NHANES
3x
more cavities in children without sealants compared to those with sealants
Source: CDC
Additional Evidence: Unhoused individuals experience significantly higher rates of untreated decay and periodontal disease (Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved). Poor oral health is linked to systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health). Sources include CDC, CDPH, ADA, NIH, and the U.S. Surgeon General.
Our Approach
Prevention-First Framework
Our model intervenes upstream — preventing disease progression before costly emergency and surgical care becomes necessary.
School-Based Sealants
Dental sealant placement in school settings, targeting first and second molars in high-risk pediatric populations.
Fluoride Varnish
Professional-grade fluoride varnish application to strengthen enamel and prevent early-stage caries progression.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
SDF application to arrest active caries, reducing the need for surgical intervention in underserved communities.
Oral Health Education
Evidence-based educational modules delivered directly to students, families, and community members.
Mobile Hygiene Services
RDHAP-led mobile preventive care reaching populations where they live, learn, and seek services.
Referral Partnerships
Coordinated referral pathways connecting individuals to restorative and comprehensive dental care when needed.
In the Field
Our Operations
We bring preventive dental hygiene services directly to schools, shelters, encampments, and community sites across San Diego County using portable clinical equipment.
School-based dental hygiene services
Mobile tent setup with full clinical equipment
Community outreach at transitional housing sites
Active Programs
Current Programs
Active
Project SBDSP
School-Based Dental Sealant Program
Delivering evidence-based sealant programs in Title I schools across San Diego County to prevent childhood caries in high-risk populations.
Learn moreActive
Project SmilesForAll
Unhoused Community Initiative
Mobile preventive oral health services targeting unhoused populations in San Diego County, reducing barriers to care through direct community outreach.
Learn moreIn Development
Future Initiatives
Expanding Our Reach
Forthcoming programs addressing oral health disparities among elderly and homebound populations, including Project Tooth Fairies for the Elderly.
Learn moreSan Diego County, California
Rooted in San Diego County
Currently operating exclusively within San Diego County. Designed for scalable expansion throughout California and beyond as partnerships and funding allow.