In Chile, more than 22,600 children and adolescents are waiting for paediatric dental care in the public system. For many families, getting that care means travelling long distances, covering costs they can barely manage, or waiting months, a gap reflected directly in demand: at least 9,000 children are currently waiting for care through organisations across the country, more than current capacity can meet.
Timely preventive care stops oral health problems, and other risk factors, from progressing into something that needs far more complex treatment later. Closing that gap, even partially, means funding new outreach days now rather than letting the waiting list keep growing.
The project
The project strengthens prevention from childhood through health evaluations, education and guidance on self-care, with parents and guardians taking an active part alongside their children. The aim is to identify risks early, build healthy habits, and make sure children who need further care get a timely referral into the public system, helping prevent chronic conditions and reduce their long-term impact.
Between 7 and 10 dedicated days of care and education are planned, with every evaluation, service, risk and referral properly recorded. The project also strengthens coordination between the sponsoring company, universities, municipalities and community organisations, adding real preventive capacity to the public system rather than working apart from it.
Who the project is for
The project's direct beneficiaries are around 200 children and adolescents who face real barriers to accessing dental health care.
Its impact reaches further, to at least 200 parents and guardians, one for each child, who receive guidance to reinforce healthy habits at home, as well as the local communities and organisations connected to each outreach day.
Project name: Salud preventiva en comunidades con difícil acceso
Proposing organisation: Casa Ronald McDonald
Area of intervention: Health & Welfare
Country: Chile