Make Me Smile Help Contra Costa County
Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry and Dentalaire donate training and equipment at inaugural installation.
Martinez, CA – On December 4, 2014, at the main Contra Costa County Animal Shelter (CCCAS) located at 4800 Imhoff Place in Martinez, a group of dedicated veterinary dentists and hygienists donated their expertise to install advanced dental equipment and train shelter veterinarians on dental disease and radiography as part of the nationwide Make Me Smile Project (MMSP). Animals without dental disease are healthier, more adoptable, and much more affordable over their lifetime for a pet owner.
This donation was sponsored by the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry (FVD), a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the importance of good oral care for companion animals, conducts research, and provides education grants. The Make Me Smile Project is organized in concert with the generosity of Ron Anderson, President of Dentalaire Products International, a veterinary equipment manufacturer. Their gift of a top of the line dental workstation and radiography unit has made the mission of Make Me Smile Project come to life. CCCAS is the first beneficiary of the MMSP.
“The shelter staff had a wonderful refresher course on dentistry, followed by a hands-on lab and checkups on many of our shelter animals,” said Richard Bachman, DVM, Director of CCCAS. “Veterinarians, technicians, and assistants learned how to improve the dental health of our shelter animals.”
Barry Rathfon, DVM, MMSP Chair and Foundation Trustee, expressed his sincere appreciation to the team of professionals who generously volunteered their skills and resources. “This is the first of many installations we have planned across the country. It could not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of our board members, donors, Dentalaire professionals, and shelter staff members. Please know that you have a made a significant difference in these animals’ lives.”
Contra Costa County Animal Shelter is comprised of two locations in Martinez and Pinole, CA. The main shelter in Martinez is a 34,000 square foot state of the art, 24-hour full-service facility, and receives approximately 15,000 animals each year. All animals that are adopted are spayed/neutered and microchipped when they leave the shelter.