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Improving children’s oral health in San Luis Obispo County since 2003.
Every child grows up with a healthy, confident smile.
Partnership for the Children of San Luis Obispo County (PTC) was formed in 1994 to distribute donated funding to local youth-serving agencies. The lack of access to pediatric dental services for children of low-income families was identified as a critical need.
Tolosa Children’s Dental Center (TCDC) 501(c)3 nonprofit organization opened in 2003, formerly named La Clinica de Tolosa. In the first year, 500 children were treated, and now averaging over 5,000 children annually. TCDC offers comprehensive quality pediatric dental services including preventive, oral health education, restorative, and emergency treatment.
Tooth decay is a significant problem in children and even more so in underserved populations. Untreated cavities lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss and can affect eating and sleeping, resulting in missed school, lower self-esteem, and negatively impacting relationship building and future employment opportunities.
TCDC has become a trusted dental center for underserved children throughout San Luis Obispo County. Without TCDC, most of these children would not receive oral health care.
Dentistry requires specialized equipment and supplies, as well as licensed professionals supported by many skilled staff. 98% of our patients are covered by Medi-Cal Dental. Despite the poor reimbursements, we have been able to keep our doors open and even expand our services through responsible fiscal management and the generous support of our community.
In 2016 we undertook the periodic process of defining our direction as an organization. We identified three goals that will be used to guide all our work over the next three years – first among them is to continue to serve as a dental home even more Denti-Cal children in San Luis Obispo County. Learn more HERE about the specifics of our strategic goals and objectives, and please CONTACT US for more information.
Tolosa Children’s Dental Center (TCDC) collaborates with many local agencies and organizations that provide or connect low-income families to health and social services to ensure those families with children in need of dental care are aware of services available at TCDC.
TCDC staff and board members have been active participants in the SLO County Children’s Oral Health Coalition since it was formed in 2008. The Coalition was created to provide input regarding the best strategies to improve children’s oral health in San Luis Obispo County.
Dr. Naeim is a caring dentist who was raised in Michigan. She has a strong emphasis on providing comfortable treatment while upholding high technical standards. Dr. Naeim pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, receiving her B.A in Biology & MS in Biomedical Sciences at Wayne State University. Later she received her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Roseman University of Health Sciences in South Jordan, Utah.
Dr. Naeim has taken many continuing education courses, including those on pediatric & restorative dentistry. Dr. Naeim is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Naeim loves spending time outdoors exploring California & traveling the world. She is always looking for new adventures & enjoys tasting new cuisines. On weekends, Dr. Naeim enjoys spending time with friends & family; playing tennis, snowboarding, hiking, camping and is currently learning how to surf.
Ms. Russell has an extensive background and proven track record in dental practice administration and management having worked for several prominent dental practices in San Luis Obispo County since 1987. As Clinic Director since May of 2007, Ms. Russell effectively manages all aspects of the clinic’s financial and human resources, ensures adherence to policies and standard operating procedures while assuring quality, efficiency, productivity, patient satisfaction and compliance with State and Federal regulations. In addition, Ms. Russell is competent in public relations, representing TCDC at numerous public speaking opportunities and building partnerships with our collaborating agencies.
Email the Executive Director
My family chose to return to the Central Coast 15 years ago. Raising our two children and a growing “farm”, it doesn’t get much better than SLO County. I am so fortunate to do what I love, champion and advocate for local kids with a first rate non-profit. I joined TCDC in 2017 with hefty goals. The patients, staff, board and community support make TCDC a special place to work and connect the needs of our community with necessary pediatric oral health care.
I look forward to meeting more community members at our events and helping our most important residents- kids in our community.
Email the Development Director
My wife Marsha and I moved to San Luis Obispo from New York shortly after we were first married 53 years ago. During that time we have been blessed to have raised four beautiful, successful daughters in the best and most amazing environment we could have ever imagined. When we first came to SLO we thought we had arrived in paradise and after all these years we know we made the perfect decision.
I have been business owner on the Central Coast for 41 years, and retired in 2022. During that time I’ve been active in various non-profit organizations. I have also served as Board Chair of Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, and President of San Luis Obispo Kiwanis de Tolosa. It’s been a wonderful privilege to serve on the board of TCDC and help provide dental care to children from low income homes. I enjoy golf, wine tasting, grand children, travel, theater and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
