SAN DIEGO -- It takes a lot of energy to work with children in a dentist chair, something Dr. Shahriyar Zand knows all about.

"With children, you have to have a lot of patience and build trust," Zand said.

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Project QKids: Free Dental Care For Kids

Zand also works with children who have major decay.

"I see a lot of dental cavities. This can affect their eating," Zand said.

A program funded by the First 5 Commission of San Diego lets children ages zero to 5 who don't have health insurance be treated.

"They actually cover most dental needs for children, including fillings, extractions, space maintainers and crowns," Zand said.

Dentists, like Zand, sometimes don't get full reimbursement, but says that treating the children is very rewarding.

"Every time I see a child in pain it breaks my heart because I knew it could have been prevented," Zand said.

Zand also works with parents to teach them good oral hygiene for their children.

"If you have a lot of problems with your baby teeth you will have problems with your permanent teeth, unless habits are changed," Zand said.

Call (619) 692-8656 for more information.