In one respect, holistic dentistry is all about connectedness: mouth connected to body, for instance, and the body/mind/spirit connection that makes up each individual we see.

In our office, it’s also important for us to honor and act on the connections we share with our local community here in Fremont, the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond. When opportunities arise for us to help out others in need, we like to take them.

Giving makes us all stronger, individually and collectively.

So for two days last month, Dr. Yoshida and five of us on staff – Harriet, Cher, Toshiko, Tina, and T’Miehla – volunteered our time and talents to CDA Cares in San Mateo. This outreach program of the California Dental Association provides necessary dental care at no charge to Californians who can’t afford regular care. This includes cleanings, fillings, extractions, oral health education, and help in finding a source for ongoing dental care.

Dr. Yoshida pitched in with doing restorative work for patients. Others of us helped with things like sterilization procedures and patient escorts. We were a part of a group of more than 2300 volunteers – including over 900 dentists and dental professionals.

All together, we provided almost $1.6 million in services to 1973 individuals, adults and children alike.

More than 12,060 procedures, including fillings, extractions and cleanings, plus oral health education, were completed during the event while the clinic’s dental lab area worked to provide 243 complete and partial dentures and repairs

Check out KPIX’s coverage of the event:

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community,” says Dr. Yoshida, “because it is important to share our talents with others who can’t afford to get basic dental care.”