FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UMMA Health is proud to announce the successful completion of its mobile dental clinic initiative at McKinley Avenue Elementary School, which ran from April through June 2025. This effort, part of UMMA’s broader commitment to expanding access to care for historically underserved communities, provided free and compassionate dental services to our community’s younger students, many of whom had never visited a dentist before.
Pictured from L-R Dina Mismar D.D.S, (name) (name)
Over the course of three months, the UMMA Health Mobile Dental Team transformed a section of McKinley’s playground into a welcoming clinical space once a week. Beyond completing preventive services, the program focused on building trust and comfort with young patients. In line with UMMA Health’s ethos of high-quality personable care, appointments were never rushed, even when it meant seeing fewer students per day. This intentional approach allowed dental staff to provide calm, thorough care to children who were understandably nervous about their first dental experience.
Fernanda Rico, former Americorp Fellow
Program Outcomes:
- 30 students received dental exams and X-rays, along with a cleaning and fluoride varnish application
- 18 students had protective sealants placed
- 9 students were connected to a pediatric dentist through formal referrals
- 4 students were referred for treatment at UMMA Health’s Fremont or Locke dental clinics
Dr. Dina Mismar D.D.S., explaining dental care to a young student
This school-based initiative reflects a growing model for integrating preventive dental care directly into educational environments, reducing barriers such as transportation and cost. UMMA Health remains committed to these partnerships and to creating positive, trauma-free experiences for children receiving care. “We want to provide services, and shape how children view health care early in their lives,” said Dr. Dina Mismar, Dental Director at UMMA Health. “At McKinley, that meant slowing down when needed, explaining every step, and making sure each child felt safe, seen, and cared for.”
UMMA Health will resume services at McKinley Elementary and to a confirmed five other elementary schools come August. Most importantly, UMMA Health plans to explore similar partnerships throughout South Los Angeles, using its mobile fleet to bring quality, culturally grounded care directly to where families live and learn.