Bringing Smiles to San Lucas

Did you know the San Lucas Mission provides dental care to more than 3,000 patients each year? It’s one of the hidden gems of the Mission Healthcare Program.

The need for dental care in San Lucas is significant. Like many communities with limited access to preventive healthcare, children in San Lucas experience high rates of tooth decay and cavities from a young age. The Mission’s Dental Clinic provides affordable, accessible care that can make a meaningful difference for entire families.

Rosa is one of the many patients who has returned to the clinic over the years whenever she or her family needs dental care. She has had teeth removed herself and has brought her children to the clinic for fillings and other dental procedures.

“The care is excellent. And the amount we pay here is very affordable, which allows us to save money. With that money, we can buy food for our children,” Rosa says.

Rosa’s experience reflects an important part of the Mission’s approach to healthcare: providing quality care at a very low cost that families can afford, while helping them prioritize other basic needs.

Just like the Mission’s hospital, the dental clinic partners with visiting medical and dental teams to expand the care available to the community. Visiting dental teams regularly travel into rural communities alongside medical teams, bringing much-needed services directly to families who might otherwise have difficulty accessing care.

If you (or someone you know) is a dentist interested in providing pro bono dental services in San Lucas, we want to hear from you! We are looking for more dental groups to meet the needs of the community. Hit reply on this email if you’re interested or have a connection to share!

This story is part of our annual newsletter. Open your copy by clicking here!