The Cheri Harris Children’s Dental Health Center has kept drilling and filling since it was established in 1952 by the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa.
The center provides comprehensive, ongoing dental care to underserved children and young adults in the community, according to director Anne Wong. The care includes general and preventive dentistry, root canals, composite restoration, crowns, bridges, sealants and emergency services.
It also provides orthodontic treatments for children from pre-kindergarten through age 26. The center does not accept dental insurance, but a nominal fee is charged for all dental procedures. Orthodontic fees are also reduced.
The center’s staff consists of four general dentists, an orthodontist, a dental hygienist and members of the Assistance League who volunteer their time to keep this operation going.
The center is fully funded by the Assistance League from sales at its thift and consignment shops, contributions, community grants and annual fundraising event. The dental center fulfills the League’s motto, “A Better Tomorrow for Today’s Child,” by treating about 3,000 patients yearly.
