After four failed appointments, Marisol* and Javier* were losing hope.

They had been trying for months to get dental care for their young children at a local dentist’s office. Each time, they did everything right—called ahead to confirm there would be a pediatric provider, took time off work, showed up as scheduled. And each time, they were turned away. “There’s no pediatric specialist available today,” they were told.

For Marisol, who had worked as a nurse in Mexico, the experience was deeply frustrating. She understood how crucial early dental visits are for a child’s development—helping prevent tooth decay, support nutrition, and set the stage for long-term oral health. She just couldn’t get that care for her son or daughter.

The solution came through Venice Family Clinic’s Early Head Start program.

A trusted space, a new solution

Launched in 2024, a new pilot brings a volunteer pediatric dentist, Dr. Indulal Nagrecha, directly to Early Head Start sites. There, families can access preventive care—lap-to-lap dental exams, fluoride varnish, brushing education, and early guidance on sugar, diet and hygiene—in a setting that’s already familiar and trusted.

Carrie Parrish, health services manager, said the dental pilot was born out of a persistent gap. Many families wanted dental care for their children but couldn’t get it—whether due to transportation issues, a lack of pediatric providers nearby, or simply not knowing where to begin.

“These are families who know us and feel comfortable here,” Parrish said. “We saw an opportunity to use that trust to introduce dental care at the right moment—before problems start, and before fear sets in.”

This kind of model is rare. Venice Family Clinic is one of the only providers in the region embedding licensed dental care into early education settings—and offering it to families regardless of insurance status or where they call their medical home.

Why early dental care matters

Dental care is critical in the earliest years.

Baby teeth help children chew, speak and develop properly—and decay can begin as soon as teeth erupt. Left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating or sleeping, and even emergency room visits.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should see a dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth coming in. But many families don’t know this recommendation and delay these visits—sometimes until it’s too late.

“We want to teach parents before there’s a problem,” Dr. Nagrecha said. “Some people think dental care can wait, but it shouldn’t. By the time a child is in pain, it’s already serious.”

Parrish agreed. “We want dental visits to feel as routine as a pediatric check-up. It’s important we help children build lifelong habits around dental care.

A child gets his first visit

Marisol’s son’s visit was quick but meaningful. After so many failed attempts, she wasn’t expecting much—just a chance for someone to finally show up and care for their child.

The exam took place in a familiar playgroup room. The boy was nervous, but he let himself be seen. For his parents, it was a moment of relief and validation—proof that they weren’t asking for too much. They just needed someone to keep their word.

“The parents were so grateful,” said Esbeydi, the family’s Early Head Start home visitor. “This program gave them a small but important win—proof that someone cared.”

Both Marisol’s children are now enrolled in Venice Family Clinic’s dental care system. They are now establishing a full care relationship, with access to exams, cleanings and referrals for more advanced pediatric services if needed.

“Knowing their children have a place to get the dental care they need makes all the difference,” Esbeydi said.

*Names have been changed for patient privacy.