Improving Oral Hygiene, Enhancing Smiles, and Ensuring Comfort

Ahealthy mouth is more than just a nice smile. It helps one to eat, drink, talk and smile. Since oral health and overall health are connected, having a healthy smile can help keep the rest of one’s body healthy, too.

Dental care is integrated as part of Care Resource’s primary care program. Their team is committed to improving the overall quality of life of South Florida diverse communities in need. Care Resource’s dental services are available at their Midtown Miami, Oakland Park, and Little Havana health centers.

Services include dental exams and radiographs, preventive services (cleanings), restorative (fillings) –composite (white) and amalgam (silver), night guards and bleaching, crown and bridge, removable prosthetics (partials and dentures), minor oral surgery, or selected root canal therapy.

Most of the dental services at their health centers are provided on a sliding-fee scale that reduces the fees for those with lower incomes, lack of dental insurance, or the inability to pay.

According to Manuel Casas, DMD, Dental Clinical Director, “At Care Resource, our dental office was designed with our patients in mind. By combining a calm atmosphere with the latest technology, we have created a place where patients receive the level of dental care they need and deserve. We understand that many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist, but you can be assured that your comfort is our top priority.”

The key to maintaining dental health is prevention. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly, and regular dental check-ups are essential to preventing dental problems. However, one should still schedule their dental appointments once or twice a year for a routine examination and cleanings, where dental issues can be found early and are usually simpler and more affordable to treat. In fact, more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults — 26 percent — have untreated dental cavities, according to oral health data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information, please call 305.576.1234 or visit careresource.org. Existing patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment, renew medications, and more through the health center’s patient portal.

t doesn’t matter if you’re just getting a regular checkup or going in for surgery, getting medical treatment can cause stress and anxiety in even the most stoic individuals. Compassion in doctors and nurses is important to all healthcare groups, and Memorial Healthcare System is also emphasizing diversity.

They believe that seeing yourself reflected by the people treating you is important to bridging cultural differences, putting patients at ease, and earning their trust. Memorial is backing up their words with actions. The person in charge of that is Vanessa Nazario, their Corporate Director, Chief Diversity Officer. “My role is to design and implement the strategy in alignment throughout Memorial Healthcare System to ensure our commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive environment is embedded within the organizational culture,” she told OutClique

Many companies have similar positions, but often they are not prioritized and are simply ‘checking a box.’ Nazario unequivocally says Memorial is different. “Memorial has a long history of nurturing a diverse workforce that serves a multiracial, multilingual patient community.” As a leader in their Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), they stress multiculturalism, and know it makes for a better patient experience as well as a better workplace.

Nazario says Memorial has taken its commitment to the next level. “Over the last two years, there were several key initiatives launched to support the journey: introduced both a Physician DEI Advisory Council and a Workforce Diversity Taskforce; increased cultural educational programs; and deepened our commitment to health equity.” Nazario and Memorial’s work is also recognized by the Human Rights Foundation. Memorial’s flagship hospital got an outstanding designation from the group’s Healthcare Equality Index.

While diversity may seem like an intangible goal, it’s a very real thing that you can see and feel in Memorial’s staff. “It is important for patients to encounter staff who share similar attributes and can foster the trust that the health system is committed to diversity and nurturing an environment that welcomes everyone. Furthermore, it also enforces the need for cultural humility education, so all providers learn about the importance of culturally competent care.”

The term diversity can encompass a lot and everyone is included in Memorial’s vision. That includes paying special attention to their LGBTQIA+ community. Their efforts are extensive, and include educational forums, genderinclusive bathroom signs, sponsoring community events, and engaging with staff and followers on social media.

“We were extremely pleased with securing the system's inaugural HEI designation with the continued commitment to invest in other endeavors that convey the message that we welcome and embrace the LGBTQ+ community as patients and/or colleagues,” Nazario said.

Nazario has spent nearly 30 years in jobs that promote diversity. With that extensive background, Memorial believes she’s poised to take their DEI to the next level. “I have learned that everyone has a story and their lived experiences matter, and as a DEI executive I must ensure safe spaces are created so everyone can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.”

“I would like to continue investing in the necessary resources for Memorial to be a DEI leader in the industry and that other healthcare systems use us as a model for their DEI journey. I envision DEI being a key driver in supporting positive health outcomes for the diverse community we serve, and it will be achievable by having a laser focus on health equity.”

Nazario is also not naive. Diversity is a long-term goal that must constantly renew itself as the culture changes. She says Memorial can help lead those changes. “It requires dedication from many stakeholders, starting from the top with the Board of Commissioners and Executive Leadership support, and I know we will be successful in our endeavors given their involvement and dedication to our success.”