About the Anderson Center
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 mission of the Anderson Center is to improve the oral health and well-being of all children, through early intervention and prevention, with emphasis on young children and those with disabilities or complex medical conditions, through education, advocacy and improved access to care.
For Families
We help children keep healthy teeth and gums, with extra support for babies and young children and for kids with special health care needs, disabilities or complex medical conditions. Families can turn to us for:
- Everyday tooth care tips, including easy ways to adapt brushing for children with special needs
- What to expect at your child’s first dental visit, which should happen by age 1
- Dental check-ups and one-on-one coaching for children served by the San Diego Regional Center, in English and Spanish
- Free handouts for parents in English and Spanish (see Resources for Parents & Providers below)
Need help finding a dentist? Call 1-800-788-9029.
Anderson Memorial Conference
Save the Date: Anderson Memorial Conference 2027
Enhancing oral health outcomes for children with special needs and medically complex conditions through the dental homeDate: Saturday, February 13, 2027, 8 am to 2 pmLocation: Rady Children’s Health Education Office Building (EOB), 7960 Birmingham Dr., San Diego, CA 92123Includes: CE credit, breakfast and lunchSpeakers:
- Shalon Nienow, MD, Child Abuse Pediatrics
- Samantha Brackett, MD, Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Susan Alaei, MD, Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Raquel Locsin, Behavioral Specialist
Registration coming soon! Check back here for the conference agenda and registration details.Have a question? Call 858-966-1700, ext. 244804, or submit an inquiry online.Submit an Inquiry Download the Save the Date Flyer (PDF)
Community and Professional Education
- 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.
Schedule a presentation or training: Contact Hyon-Chin Lee at 858-966-1700, ext. 243568.
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
- Good Oral Health for Children with Diabetes
- Good Oral Health for Children with Sickle Cell Disease
- Dental Care and Access to Care
- 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.