Dr. Mireya Ortega wins Soroptimist award for her Young Tahoe Smiles Program

Dr. Mireya Ortega of High Sierra Dental Care was recently the honored recipient of the 2016 Ruby Award given by Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS). This award honors women who are making an extraordinary difference in the lives of other women.

Dr. Ortega is recognized for her Young Tahoe Smiles program, which for years has been providing high quality dental care to underserved families in the greater Tahoe area. Children 0 to 16 years of age from qualifying families that are financially challenged, without dental insurance or other assistance receive basic dental care including diagnostics, preventive and restorative treatment for $5-$20 per visit.

2016 marks the five-year anniversary of the Young Tahoe Smiles program. Over 250 cases have been resolved since the program’s inception. Dr. Ortega would like to see the program grow and continues to accept new patients.

She started the program because too many children were coming into her office with pain, infections and dental problems. Many of these emergencies could have been prevented with simple dental hygiene, regular maintenance and routine checkups.

“Children live in dental pain most adults would not tolerate for just a few minutes," said Dr. Ortega. "These children need help getting back to an infection and pain-free state so they can focus on just being happy and healthy children.”

In addition to Dr. Ortega donating her time, expertise and staff help, the Young Tahoe Smiles program is made possible through the generous support of Rob Rodriguez, Sue Boyer and Tahoe Magic.

Of the Ruby Award recipients Karen House of SITS says, "We are so proud of these women and the difference they are making in our community and the world.”

For information about Young Tahoe Smiles contact Dr. Ortega at drmireya@gmail.com,
1060 Ski Run Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 or by phone at 530-541-7040. www.HighSierraDentalCare.com.