TAKING ACTION

Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center

 

 

The Opportunity

Addressing the critical need for improved oral healthcare for seniors, philanthropists Gary and Mary West created the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center, a nonprofit, integrated community dental center dedicated to serving low-income seniors in downtown San Diego.

The Senior Dental Center links high-quality and affordable oral healthcare with a suite of nutrition, case management and wellness services offered through Serving Seniors’ Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, creating a one-of-a-kind, integrated community-based system of care for older adults.

Changing Lives, Jim's Story

Jim has a story that many seniors share, a lack of access to affordable dental services that resulted in a nearly total loss of his teeth. Watch Jim’s transformative experience at our Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center.

Watch the Video

Our Current Projects

Philanthropy

Philanthropists Gary and Mary West Open Nonprofit Dental Center in San Diego for Low-income Seniors Who Desperately Need Care

Poor oral health is a significant public health issue for seniors in San Diego and across the nation

Collaborators

Serving Seniors

Helping seniors in poverty live healthy and fulfilling lives.

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Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center

The Senior Dental Center links affordable oral healthcare with health and social services at Serving Seniors’ Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, creating a one-stop community care center for older adults.

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Publications & Resources

Research Spotlight: A Human-Centered Model of Care: Integrating community-based dental, social and health services
Public Hearing on Denti-Cal
Oral Health Should Not Take a Backseat to General Health, Particularly for Seniors in Need
Lyford in Sacramento Bee: Older Adults Shouldn’t Have to Lose Their Teeth
Next Avenue: 5 Things Your Teeth May Be Saying About Your Health
Insights on Senior Dental Needs
Grand Opening of the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center
Seeing the Whole Person: Integrating community based health and dental services by comprehensive assessment and metrics-based referral

Senior Dental Center News

November 5, 2019

Patch: 5 Ways Seniors Can Keep Their Teeth Healthy, Dental Center Opens

To bring awareness to the importance of dental care for seniors, here are 5 ways for seniors to keep their dental health in check
October 23, 2019

10 News: Making It in San Diego: Connecting underserved San Diegans to affordable dental care

For many San Diegans, a lack of insurance means they don't see a dentist for years or even decades.
September 23, 2019

Dr. Karen Becerra Receives Golden Heart Award from San Diego County Dental Foundation

Dr. Karen Becerra, CEO and Dental Director of the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center was awarded the Golden Heart Award during the San Diego County Dental Foundation’s annual gala.
April 19, 2019

Times of San Diego: Opinion: Oral Cancer in Seniors Is More Common Than You Might Think

While people might prioritize physical and mental well-being, many may not put the words “dental” and “health” next to each other in their minds. “Dental work is cosmetic,” they might say, as they put off seeing the dentist for another year. “Everyone has problems with their teeth….
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Gary and Mary West Foundation
West Health Institute
West Health Policy Center

West Health does not accept unsolicited business plans or proposals.

MISSION STATEMENT

 

We are dedicated to lowering healthcare costs to enable seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence.

MEDIA CONTACT
SAN DIEGO, CA
10350 N. Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.535.7000 WASHINGTON, DC
1909 K Street NW, Suite 730
Washington, DC 20006
202.729.8560 CONTACT US