ToothBus

 The ToothBus^®

The ToothBus^® Mission Children's mobile dental clinics serve school age children - many of whom receive this medical attention for the first time in their lives. The dental team treats children in local settings such as elementary schools and health departments. Being able to get care for their children without having to take off from work or arrange for transportation is a huge benefit to the families of our patients.

The mobile clinics bring preventive and restorative care to children in counties of western North Carolina which have many children in need and limited dental resources. First graders whose families can't afford dental treatment or whose families are covered under Medicaid or Health Choice can enter the program as patients each year and are followed through the fifth grade. Each year 500 to 600 children have three to four visits to the ToothBus^®.to receive needed care.

A ToothBus^® visit begins with a conventional check-up and cleaning, as well as a heavy dose of oral health education. After that visit, our program sends paperwork home with patients letting their family know what treatment is needed. At each subsequent visit, a letter is sent home telling what treatment was provided. Educational information is also sent to the families along with encouragement to call the dental office with questions regarding their child's care.