Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinic’s Chief Dental Officer Named 2012 Volunteer Dentist of the Year
“Dr. Nguyen’s tireless efforts towards the Foundation’s mission, “to support programs and services which advance the goal of optimal oral health for residents in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties” have been exceptional. In recognition and deep appreciation of her exceptional volunteer service to the community through our Foundation’s programs, we have selected Dr. Nguyen for this award,” said Dr. Mark Lisagor.
Dr. Nguyen has been active in many programs assisting residents of Santa Barbara County to attain good oral health. She represents the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (SBNC) Eastside Family Dental Clinic to the Santa Barbara County Children’s Oral Health Collaborative and has been instrumental in the success of the South County Dental Access Resource Team (DART). She will always make time to help a child in dental distress regardless of ability to pay. Dr. Nguyen is active in dental screening at local schools and at various health fairs. She has also been the driving force behind SBNC’s Free Dental Days at the Eastside Family Dental Clinic providing free emergency dental care to those unable to access this care elsewhere.
Dr. Nguyen is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry, Houston, TX an Undergraduate of the Catholic University of America, Washington DC and Georgetown University, Washington DC. She has been the Chief Medical Officer at the SBNC’s Eastside Dental Clinic located at 923 N. Milpas St. in Santa Barbara for over six years.
“I am humbled by this honor from the SB-Ventura Counties Dental Care Foundation made up of colleagues whom I greatly admire and who have done so much to improve the oral health of people in our communities and abroad. I receive this award on behalf of all of us at SBNC who made the free dental clinics possible to serve hundreds of people in our area who cannot afford dental care. Volunteerism (helping and caring for the underserved): IS the SBNC way!” said Dr. Nguyen in a statement after receiving the award.
The mission of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics is to provide high quality, affordable, comprehensive healthcare to all people regardless of their ability to pay, especially those uninsured and otherwise underserved, while maintaining a welcoming environment and treating patients with compassion, dignity, and respect.