Oral Health/Anderson Center for Oral Health
For help finding a dentist, call 1-800-788-9029.
The Anderson Center for Oral Health was established in 1996 to honor the legacy of Dr. Albert L. Anderson. Dr. Anderson was a highly respected pediatric dentist in San Diego who was dedicated to taking care of the dental needs of pediatric patients, especially those with special healthcare needs.
The goal of the Anderson Center is to improve the oral health and well-being of all children, with emphasis on young children and those with disabilities or complex medical conditions through:
- Community and professional education
- Improved access to care
- Advocacy
Community and Professional Education
- Participates in County of San Diego Local Oral Health Program (LOHP) 2018-2022. Provides training to support dental providers in implementing evidence-based activities (enhanced oral health activities) to increase oral health anticipatory guidance, access to early preventive dental care and community level oral health resources. Enhanced Oral Health Activities resources are provided to participating dental providers (see below).
- Trains medical providers in the importance of oral health to overall health and techniques for addressing oral health in the well-child and prenatal visits.
- Provides training for dentists about treating very young children, children with special needs and pregnant women.
- Reaches dental and medical providers and auxiliaries through national, state and community presentations, continuing education courses, conferences.
- Educates parents and caregivers of children with special needs about the effects of dental disease on their children’s health, adaptive techniques in daily oral hygiene, what to expect at the first dental visit and how to obtain dental treatment through a qualified provider.
Resources for Parents & Providers
County of San Diego Enhanced Oral Health Activities Resources
- Brush Book Bed: English | Spanish
- Rethink Your Drink
Flier for Kids: English | Spanish
Flier for Adults: English | Spanish - Tobacco Cessation
Flier for Parents: English | Spanish
Flier for Pregnancy - Age One Visit
Self-management Goals
Baby Teeth Matter: English | Spanish
Additional Resources
- Good Nutrition for Healthy Teeth
Flier - Healthy Smiles for Children with Autism
Flier: English | Spanish
Brochure: English | Spanish - Healthy Smiles for Children with Down Syndrome
Flier: English | Spanish
Brochure: English | Spanish
Improved Access to Care
- Conducts oral health assessments at the San Diego Regional Center for the Developmentally Disabled locations countywide.
- Provides intensive interventions in collaboration with the San Diego Regional Center for the Developmentally Disabled. Individualized instruction for parents, teachers and service coordinators focuses on adaptive daily oral hygiene; caries risk reduction and treatment referrals. Interventions are provided in English and Spanish.
- Provides community oral health assessments.
Advocacy
- Participates at the local and state level in coalitions and other groups.
- Advocates for improved dental services for children and adults with disabilities.
Donations
To make a donation to help improve children’s oral health, please call Rady Children’s Foundation at 858-966-7878.