VISALIA, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 — Carrington College and San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) in Visalia will host a free dental clinic for children on Monday, Feb. 16, in recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month.
The clinic will operate from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Carrington College Visalia campus, located at 8344 W. Mineral King Ave. The event is open to children ages 6 to 16, and attendance requires a parent or guardian.
Children will receive preventive dental services, including oral health screenings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and instruction on proper oral hygiene. Each participant will also be given a complimentary oral hygiene kit, while supplies last.
In addition to the one-day event, the campus dental hygiene clinic offers ongoing services by appointment throughout the year. The clinic provides routine dental hygiene care for both children and adults.
National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed each February and is sponsored by the American Dental Association.
The initiative highlights the importance of preventive care and education, as tooth decay remains one of the most common—and largely preventable—health conditions affecting children.
“Early access to preventive dental care plays a critical role in protecting a child’s long-term oral health,” said Brenda Serpa, dental hygiene program director at Carrington College in Visalia. “This clinic allows our students and faculty to deliver essential services while helping families understand daily habits that reduce the risk of tooth decay.”
The event also supports Carrington College’s emphasis on community outreach and experiential learning. The Visalia campus offers Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs that combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice.
“National Children’s Dental Health Month is an important opportunity to serve the community,” Serpa said. “By opening our campus to local families, we hope to help children develop healthy oral care routines that will benefit them for years to come.”