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Dr. Navid Fardanesh, Oral Health Program Manager. Image courtesy of First 5 San Luis Obispo County.

Oral Health Program Manager Dr. Navid Fardanesh Recognized with Hands-On Hero Award

Author: Public Health Department
Date: 7/14/2017 12:34 PM

Meet the dentist working to make sure every child in SLO County gets the dental care they need.


Toothaches can take down even the toughest adults – and for kids, the consequences of untreated dental decay can last a lifetime.

Dr. Navid Fardanesh, Oral Health Program Manager for the County, works to ensure that no child in SLO County will have to suffer from untreated dental problems. He provides dental services to children and organizes the Children’s Oral Health Coalition for the County.

“Growing up, I didn’t have much access to dental care,” he said. “I knew right there, that’s something I want to do. I want to be a dentist, be able to help kids that are in need.”

Dr. Fardanesh was recently recognized with the Hands-On Heroes award for his work to ensure all children get the dental care they need. The award program is coordinated by First 5 San Luis Obispo County in collaboration with local community organizations dedicated to children's well-being.

In announcing the award, organizers describe Dr. Fardanesh as a "model of caring" who "readily puts children at ease during oral exams, sometimes the first such experience of their young lives."

Congratulations to Dr. Fardanesh for this recognition, and thank you to the Children’s Oral Health Coalition for their work to ensure all children in SLO County have access to dental care.