Shedding light on the oral health concerns of older adults is now more essential than ever. In the United States, someone turns 65 every 10 seconds. By 2030, it is expected that 20% of the U.S. population will be older adults. Addressing the nuances of geriatric dental health will help dentists be prepared to provide…
Age-Friendly Grant Awarded to the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center It is with tremendous pleasure that we would like to announce that the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center has been awarded $30,000 from The San Diego Foundation’s Age-Friendly Communities Program! This grant will support our continuous efforts to enhance the lives…
The Senior Dental Center (SDC) is pleased to announce a recent grant award of $1,000, from the San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization (CECO). With the grant provided by CECO, the SDC was able to purchase toothbrushes and gum stimulators, allowing us to provide low-income seniors with the resources they need to properly care for…
By: Dr. Karen Becerra The stats are alarming: Nearly 1 in 5 seniors over the age of 65 have no teeth, 2 in 3 have gum disease, and 1 in 5 have untreated cavities. Dental health is a hidden health crisis for seniors in our community which has far-reaching impacts on their overall wellness. Studies have…
The Senior Dental Center was recently selected to receive the first-ever grant from the Johnson & Johnson Western Region Retiree Association (JJWRRA) in support of our efforts to provide accessible, high-quality oral healthcare to vulnerable seniors. JJWRRA provides grants that support Elder Health, which focuses on maintaining a healthy body and mind, independence, and dignity for…
San Diego, Calif. – June 26, 2019 – The Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center in Downtown San Diego was recognized for their innovative dental care for seniors receiving the 2019 Live Well San Diego Oral Health Champion Award. The award honors the exceptional achievements, outstanding community efforts, and contributions that have advanced oral…
By Karen Becerra, DDS, MPH While people might prioritize physical and mental well-being, many may not put the words “dental” and “health” next to each other in their minds. “Dental work is cosmetic,” they might say, as they put off seeing the dentist for another year. “Everyone has problems with their teeth. Besides, my insurance…
Dr. Karen Becerra and patient, Annie J. discuss how the Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center strives to enable seniors to properly care for and maintain their oral health through education and dental services before it becomes more painful, complicated and costly. Visit the KSON Radio for more…
By Mario A. Cortez At a dental clinic located inside Fourth Avenue’s Serving Seniors center in downtown San Diego, Karen Becerra is fighting back against a silent epidemic affecting some of our most vulnerable neighbors. “Many seniors are living with limited incomes and they…
California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat running for governor, visits the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, the Serving Seniors location in downtown San Diego during a campaign stop, May 31, 2018.