Dental Care is Vital to Overall Health says Mostafa Barakzoy, DDS, about the nineyear-old girl who was his dental patient. “Every tooth was broken down from an infection. She was not able to eat because her mouth hurt so badly.” The head of LifeLong Medical Care’s Dental Program and a talented dentist, Dr. Barakzoy was able to fix the little girl’s teeth so she has a healthy and beautiful smile. He believes that oral health is critical to overall medical health, and he is leading LifeLong Medical Care’s efforts to improve dental health for all populations.
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We have to reach out to all segments of society who need basic dental services. This outreach includes the minority community and increasing preventive services to kids.” — Dr. Mostafa Barakzoy, DDS “We have to reach out to all segments of society who need basic services,” he says. “This outreach includes the minority community and increasing preventive services to kids. Through good prevention, kids are less likely to have tooth loss and we can help prevent time off school.” LifeLong also is focusing on patients with diabetes, who face increased risk of gum infection and corresponding cardiovascular disease. “He’s the best,” says one of Dr. Barakzoy’s patients, Michael, who has seen him for the past eight years. Michael has diabetes and had broken teeth and a serious infection when he first came into LifeLong. Dr. Brakazoy pulled teeth, performed a surgical technique, and fit Michael with complete dentures. “He said to me, ‘Don’t worry. I’ll give you 100%.’ But he really gives me 200%,” says Michael, flashing a brilliant smile. “It’s a privilege to work with you,” says Dr. Barakzoy to Michael. He added: “In this job, there will never be a day when you get in your car after work and say, ‘What did I do today?’”
4 • LIFELONG MEDICAL CARE
Dental Care
“It really hits you in the heart,”
Oral health is vital to overall health, says Mostafa Barakzoy, DDS, head of LifeLong Medical Care’s Dental Program. “He’s the best,” says one of his patients who had surgery and complete dentures fitted. LifeLong is reaching out to provide preventive care to all populations. LifeLong is also a teaching site for University of California, San Francisco dental students.