Facts

Early Childhood Cavities:

"Untreated cavities can cause pain, dysfunction, school absences, difficulty concentrating, and poor appearance - problems that greatly affect a child's quality of life and ability to succeed." --- Centers for Disease Control

Tooth decay is the #1 chronic disease in children living in the US.
In Sonoma County, there are less than 1.5 dentists to serve more than 109,000 low income residents.
About two-thirds (6.3 million) of California children suffer needlessly from poor oral health by the time they reach third grade.
California ranks second to last in the nation on children’s oral health status, besting only Texas. In a recent National Survey of Children’s Health, California children’s oral health ranked among the lowest of all the states.
Low-income children are at higher risk of suffering from dental disease. California children who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program have a higher prevalence of decay than those who do not participate in the program (72% vs. 52%). They also experience more untreated decay (33% vs. 22%) and urgent dental care needs (5.5% vs. 2.5%).
Over 500,000 California children missed one or more school days as a result of oral health problems (not routine check-ups) in 2007. Untreated oral health problems impact children’s ability to thrive in school.
For every dollar spent on preventative dental services for children, $8 to $50 is saved in restorative and emergency treatments later in life.
Poor oral health is linked to other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and, for women, premature births. The foundations for adult oral health are laid early in life.
Treating oral health problems is far more difficult and costly in emergency rooms. For example, a comprehensive oral exam averages $60 in a dentist’s office, compared to an emergency room visit which averages $172, or hospitalization which averages upwards of $5,000.00.

PDI Surgery Center:

400+ children were on the waiting list for treatment when PDI opened in January 2008.
PDI treats 200+ children each month.
PDI is Nothern California's only specialized nonprofit dental facility, and often the only option for our patients.
PDI treats children from 33 Northern California counties.
Demand for service continues to grow. We receive more than 25 referrals per week.
Our Oral Health Educator and staff meet with each family that has a child in surgery to give them nutrition information and encourage good dental health to prevent recurring decay.