Free Dental Clinic for Children Maintained by Fresno, Calif, Lodge

Fresno, Calif., Lodge No. 439. during the past two years, has, under the direction and control of its Social and Community Welfare Committee, maintained a dental clinic for the primary grade pupils of the Fresno City Schools. This clinic travels among the various schools and costs the Lodge $1,500 per year. This sum represents the salary of the dental surgeon who attends each morning during the school year. The clinic is free to children who are unable to pay the nominal fee for services- The income from the small charges has been more than sufficient to pay the operating costs, salaries excepted. The success of the clinic depends entirely upon the cooperation of the local school authorities, as there is no provision in the school laws for such services. Now that the clinic has proved its value, the cooperation of these authorities has been enthusiastic and the growth of the movement is very encouraging. Up to March 3 of the present school year, the clinic had taken care of 248 patients, its service including 287 extractions and 547 fillings. It is the purpose of the Lodge to maintain this dental clinic until such time as the school department is able to take it over as a part of the regular school work.

More News from May, 1925