Problems range from tooth decay to gum disease. In San Mateo County, this dental program is known as Brighter Bites. When possible, the program includes free dental screening, courtesy of local dentists. Brighter Bites is available to all schools in the county which meet state requirements. Targeted schools are those with a large percentage of children on the free school lunch program, which do not have fluoride in their community water systems.
Teachers incorporate the dental programs into their curricula on a weekly basis.
They are important to the success of the program. Currently 3,000 children are being served. Formed in 1992, the San Mateo County Dental Coalition works with the San Mateo County Dental Society to find dentists who will provide free treatment for low-income children. Coalition members also serve as the Advisory Board for Brighter Bites. The Coalition has been instrumental in expanding hours in the Health Services' dental clinics securing funds for specialty pediatric treatment adding a Friday afternoon clinic at the 39th Avenue Health Clinics , staffed by Dental Society members who volunteer their time increasing the number of dentists providing pro bono services in their offices Prevention of dental disease is a community effort.