Mobile Dental Clinic To Close
Fresno County health officials are shutting down a mobile dental clinic for children because of budget issues, the Fresno Bee reports. Continuing the clinic would cost the county at least $400,000 annually, according to county health officer and Community Health Department Director Edward Moreno.
The county instead will use $160,000 from the general fund to hire a health education specialist and two assistants to enroll children in children's health insurance plans. Enrolling children in health plans will allow children to be seen regularly by a dentist, the Bee reports.
The mobile clinic provided dental services to about 800 children annually. Services included X-rays, cleanings, filling and sealants. A 2004-2005 study found that tooth decay is the most common health problem among Fresno County children (Ginis, Fresno Bee, 6/19).