Onsite Dental Care

In Jalisco, Mexico, workers at Pimientos Selectos – Etzatlán (Divemex) identified a critical gap in their healthcare options: access to affordable dental services. In Mexico, dental care is excluded from public health systems and rarely included in private insurance plans, putting routine and preventive treatment out of reach for many families. With 1,791 workers at the site, oral health issues were common but frequently ignored due to high costs, travel distance, and the need to take unpaid time off work. To address this challenge, the Fair Trade Committee, with approval from the General Assembly, directed Community Development Funds to establish an on-site dental clinic within walking distance of the greenhouses. This strategic location was a key part of the planning process, ensuring workers could attend appointments without missing shifts or losing income. The clinic offers both preventive and specialized dental services, supported by educational campaigns that promote daily oral hygiene for workers and their families. In 2025, the operational cost allocated from Community Development Funds was $47,570 USD, representing 12% of the total premium. The financial impact on workers has been transformative. On average, patients pay about 85% less for treatment compared to local market rates. A standard filling, which typically costs around $45 USD locally, is available at the Divemex clinic for just $6 USD. Similarly, a root canal treatment that might cost $156 USD elsewhere is provided for approximately $30 USD. Currently benefiting 965 families, the project emphasizes a culture of prevention. Through educational activities and accessible care, the initiative encourages workers and their families to prioritize their oral health, supporting long-term wellbeing across generations.