FAQ's
How did Dientes begin?
Dientes began serving clients in 1992. Dientes was started by a few local private dentists who wanted to provide care for the burgeoning HIV infected population who had no other place to go
Is Dientes a nonprofit?
Yes, Dientes incorporated in 1994
Where has Dientes provided services?
Dientes had a 5 chair clinic on Mission Street in Santa Cruz, a part-time clinic at Allianza School in Watsonville and provided care one day per week at a private office in Ben Lomond prior to consolidating services at the Commercial Way site
When did Dientes purchase the Commercial Way building?
Dientes purchased the building in February 2003 and moved in and began operating July 1, 2003
How much money was raised in the Capital Campaign?
$1.1 Million
How many visits did Dientes provide it’s first full year at Commercial Way?
9,444 annually
How many visits does Dientes provide now?
15,500 annually
What kind of care does Dientes provide?
Hygiene visits (cleanings), root planings, sealants, exams, xrays, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, extractions, root canals and emergency care
Do you have any special programs?
Dientes doesn’t provide special programs offsite, but does partner with various groups including foundations and business to provide special care such as dentures to the homeless, a pedodontist (children’s specialist) to offer care to young children, referral programs for oral sedation and in the future, a hospital dentistry program to care for our special needs population.
How many employees does Dientes have?
33
How many doctors are on staff?
2 full time and 7 part time doctors
What is Dientes’ Budget?
For FY 2007-2008 Dientes’ budget is $2.9M.
Where does Dientes get its funding?
5% Grants and Contributions, 10% State and Local Government contracts, 85% Insurance and cash reimbursements for services
Does Dientes use volunteers?
Dientes does not have a formal volunteer program, although we do use them on occasion. Due to the nature of our business and requirements by the Department of Health, we cannot use volunteers in the clinic itself. We do have formal relationships with teaching schools and organizations (ROP, UOP, Cabrillo Hygiene, Monterey Bay Dental Hygiene Association) which provide interns and externs, or “free care” days, on a regular basis. We do use volunteers in our administrative office on an “as-needed” basis. If you are interested in getting on this list, please call our Administrative Coordinator at 831-464-5423.
How many people donate to Dientes?
Dientes has an average of 250-300 individual donations sent each year as well as a dozen or more “grants” from family and community foundations, businesses and other groups.
Who are our major donors?
Dientes has been supported by many local families, businesses, and family and community foundations. Bob and Carol Simpkins, Peggy Baskin, Robert Bailey, Dr. Reed Kuratomi, The Solari Charitable Trust, The Webster Family Foundation, Ow Family Properties, Plantronics, The Seaside Company, Seagate and Freedom Rotary, to name a few. We have also received grants from larger foundations such as the California Endowment and from State organizations such as:
California Health Facilities Financing Authority.
How do we raise money?
Dientes has a formal giving program, managed by our Executive Director, which incorporates grant writing, direct mail (including newsletters, letters from the ED and solicitation letters). Our fundraising revenue for FY 07-08 is expected to total $400,000, 65% of which will go toward our future expansion plans.
How can I get involved?
- Donate
- Become a board member
- Sit on the Dental Advisory Committee (if you are a dental professional)
- Advocate in the community for more access to oral health care
- Apply for a job!
How do I become a board member?
Contact the Executive Director or a board member for information. We will send an information packet with details on board membership.
What are your plans for the future?
Dientes has established a new 5 year strategic plan which outlines our plans for the future. They include increasing access to care for children and the underserved, enhancing our organizational excellence and strengthening our fundraising and financial sustainability through long-term planning.
How do I make an appointment?
Dientes has a waiting list to accept new patients because the need for our services is so great. If you have an emergency we will do our best to get you in within 24 hours. You may call the front office at 831-464-5409 to schedule an appointment with one of our scheduling coordinators.
How do I contact the management staff?
- Executive Director, Will Hahn 831-464-5420
- Associate Director, Dawn Langjahr 831-464-5419
- Clinic Manager, Karen Wolters 831-464-5418
- Dental Director, Dr. Alana Thompson 831-464-5422
I had a negative experience at Dientes. How can I make a complaint or a suggestion?
Dientes provides patient satisfaction surveys at the front desk accessible to all of our patients.You may fill one out after your appointment, or request one by mail from the front office. If you feel your situation needs attention immediately the front office personnel will advise you how to proceed.
