Imagine your child waking up crying because of a toothache, but you put off the dentist because you’re not sure you can afford it. You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of kids in Stanislaus County miss school due to preventable tooth pain. Many kids grow up without regular dental care simply because a visit feels out of reach. Right here in our own backyard, there are free, sliding‑scale (meaning the cost is based on how much money your family makes), and low‑cost youth d