Juan Carlos, 19 years old
San Luis Obispo County 

Most of Juan Carlos’ childhood involved dental pain and discomfort. “I don’t remember when it started,” said Juan Carlos Ubias. “I think it began when I was 8 or 9 years old.” Juan’s parents are agricultural field workers, and for most of his adolescence, the family could not afford or find proper dental treatment. Today, Juan, 19, is wrapping up his senior year at Mesa View Community School in Oceano, CA. For the first time in a decade, Juan is pain free and happy with his smile.

In 2011, Juan received a dental screening at the school’s annual health fair. Michelle Herber, the school nurse, relayed what the dentist wrote, “Dental attention is needed now. Family dentist should be consulted immediately. Multiple cavities front upper teeth.” Over half of the students at the school required referrals. Juan’s decay was very noticeable on his front teeth. “I used to cover up my smile,” said Juan. “But, most of the time, I’d just let loose and laugh. Sometimes, people looked at my teeth and said that I needed to take care of that.” Juan also had severe dental caries in his back molars and occasionally told his school nurse that he was in pain. “He’s not a complainer,” said Michelle. “He’s quiet, polite, and very respectful. When the pain was bad, he didn’t come to school.” Michelle eventually worked out a treatment schedule with Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. “He’s been twice, and his treatment is still in progress,” she said. “The sad part is that all this could have been so easily avoided if Juan was able to get regular treatment when he was younger.”

For now, Juan feels good about himself, his smile and future. “I’m going to Cuesta College after I graduate,” said Juan. “My dream is to play in the NBA, but for now I’m looking for a job, and I’ll start college in the fall.”