Children's Dental Health Association is working to raise awareness and reduce disparities in the dental health status of families. Together with our Programs, we volunteer in the community at local Health Fairs and work with local charity organizations to help create healthy lives for children.

CDHA Programs

San Diego Children's Dental Health Center

Established in 1952, it has provided dental services to generations of local underprivileged children. Our child friendly Dental Center, located in the Golden Hill neighborhood of San Diego, is equipped to provide all necessary dental treatments to children of underserved families.

School-Based Program

Our School-Based dental access program was established in 1996. Dentists travel to local low-income schools where they provide education, dental exams, and sealants to thousands of children on site each year. Together with the school nurses and parents, they link children in need of treatment to our Dental Center where they have access to the care they desperately need.  

Meet the Need Program

Our “Meet the Need” program was established in 2002 to provide services to children in need of emergency dental care. A case manager and school nurses assist the families through the process of linking the child to Children’s Dental Health Center.

Pediatric Residency Program

Children's Dental Health Association and Dental Health Center are proud to be collaborating with Children's Hospital and Health Center on their newly established Pediatric Residency Program.

Community Outreach

Toussaint Teen Center

Each year we work with community organizations and donors sending volunteers to help the resident teens celebrate the holidays. Every teen living in this facility has the opportunity and is encouraged to visit Children’s Dental Health Center for a complete dental exam and if necessary they are linked with a treatment plan.

Thousand Smiles

San Diego-based Thousand Smiles Foundation provides free-of-charge treatment and surgery of cleft lip, palate and ears as well as orthodontic and dental care to underprivileged children in Mexico once each quarter.

Children's Dental Health Association supports Thousand Smiles Foundation by providing arts & craft entertainment to the children at their clinic, many of who spend all day as they are screened, educated and treated.

Health Fairs in the Community

San Diego County Dental Society’s Annual Health Fair celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month each February. Project New Village Annual Health Extravaganza ‘Fiestas Patrias-Recordando a Mexico’ Street Festival